Srinagar, March 16 (IANS): The Chief Election Commission has in a notification on Monday said that Hirdesh Kumar will take charge as the J&K Chief Electoral Officer from Shalinder Kumar.

"The Election Commission of India in consultation with Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir designates Hirdesh Kumar as the Chief Electoral Officer for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," the order said.

The order also said that Hirdesh Kumar shall cease to hold and hand over forthwith the charge of all or any charges of work under the Government of Jammu and Kashmir which he may be holding before such assumption of office.

Hirdesh Kumar while functioning as the Chief Electoral Officer Jammu and Kashmir shall not hold any additional charge whatsoever under the Government of Jammu and Kashmir except that he should be designated secretary to the Government in charge of Election Department in the state secretariat.