In a key step preparing for the upcoming Vice‑Presidential election, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed P. C. Mody, the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha, as the Returning Officer. This selection follows the convention of rotating the role between the Secretary Generals of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha; in the previous transition, the Lok Sabha SG served.

The appointments were made in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with approval from the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The ECI has also designated Garima Jain (Joint Secretary) and Vijay Kumar (Director) from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat as Assistant Returning Officers.

This development comes in the wake of Vice‑President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21, citing health concerns. Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Deputy Chairman, is currently acting as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

The EC has also initiated preparations to constitute the Electoral College, review the electoral roll of MPs, and complete procedural tasks. While the Monsoon session continues, the election is expected to take place after it concludes, given logistical timelines.