Dr. V.S. Sampath
Former Chief Election Commissioner of India
Dr. V S Sampath, served as the 18th Chief Election Commissioner of the Election Commission of India for three years and retired in January 2015. As Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. Sampath conducted the largest electoral exercise in the history of world democracies - 2014 Indian general election - the 14th general elections in India, where 550 million voters out 814 million eligible voters participated and the highest voting percentage was recorded since Indian independence - 66.7%. This election was applauded as the largest electoral exercise in the world and drew international praise.
His tenure was marked by far reaching reforms and innovations in the election process of India. Some notable reforms are introduction of a system of expenditure monitoring in elections, voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) in electronic voting machines, None of The Above (NOTA) option to the voters who may register their disapproval of all candidates on the ballot, Systematic Voter Awareness and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), and permitting NRIs to vote.
As an Indian Administrative Service officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, he held a variety of important assignments. He gained grassroots administration experience as a District Collector and managed State Government institutions in rural development, agriculture, cooperation, energy, finance, and industry. As Principal Secretary (Energy) he pioneered the restructuring and reforms of power sector and strengthened corporate governance. As Principal Secretary (Finance) he managed a budget of more than Rs 50,000 crores in a state with population of more than 8 crore. As Secretary to the Union Government of India, he handled key Ministries of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, and Power, before being appointed to the Election Commission by the President of India.
Dr. Sampath brings to the Global Hindu Temple Network Trust a vast administrative and public policy experience. His vision and pragmatism, deep insights, style of quiet efficiency, a style marked by gentle affability and collaboration will provide a solid foundation to building the Global Hindu Temple Network Trust.