Dr. S.Y.Quraishi
Dr. S.Y.Quraishi assumed charge as the 17th Chief Election
Commissioner of India on 30th
July 2010. Dr. Quraishi earlier held the position of Election
Commissioner since 30th
June 2006. He has been already involved, as part of the three member Commission,
with control, direction and superintendence of the conduct of elections to the
offices of President and Vice-President of India, General Elections to the Lok
Sabha – 2009, besides elections in a
large number of states. In the management of elections, Dr. Quraishi has brought a special
focus on people’s participation, voters’ education and youth involvement in the
electoral process through scientific research and interventions. He has been an
ardent proponent for lending strength to the grassroots level election
functionaries.
Academic Background
Born on 11 June 1947, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi completed his Masters degrees from St.
Stephen’s College in Delhi before joining the Indian Administrative Service in
1971. He earned distinction for his study of several languages. Dr. Quraishi
received a Ph. D for his thesis on “Role of Communication and Social Marketing
in Development of Women and Children”.
Career Summary
Dr Quraishi brought to the Election Commission 35 years of distinguished work in
the civil service, at both federal and state levels. Prior to his joining the
Commission, he was Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of
India.
Dr Quraishi is known for his special contributions in social sector reforms
covering health, education, population, drug abuse, and civil society action. He has done extensive work in the fields of Gender, Women & Child Development,
HIV/AIDS, Youth and Adolescent issues. UN and other international organizations
have availed his expertise in these areas as consultant and resource person on
several occasions.
Dr. Quraishi held the offices of Special Secretary (Health) & Director General
of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) where he brought India’s
national AIDS control programme on the world map. He is credited with pulling
together a large number of national and international agencies for creating the
strategic framework for India’s Phase III AIDS Control Programme.
Dr. Quraishi also pioneered India’s biggest AIDS awareness programme and IEC
campaign called ‘Universities Talk AIDS’ (UTA) in 159 Universities, considered
as one of the best global practices.
As Director General, Doordarshan (National Television Network), Dr. S Y Quraishi
brought about a turnaround in the programmes and finances of the organisation
through introduction of new methods and approaches.
Dr Quraishi also held the office of Director General of Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan (NYKS), India’s largest rural youth development agency.
He founded the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development and served
as its Director. Dr. Quraishi was the Team Leader in framing India’s National
Perspective Plan for Youth- 2020 and mainstreaming gender issues.
Dr. S Y Quraishi is also a known name in power sector reforms.
As Secretary of the Department of Power and Non-Conventional Energy, in Haryana,
he successfully negotiated a $600 million World Bank loan for reform and
privatisation of power sector in the State. This initiative was evaluated as one
of the ten best in the world by the World Bank Quality Assurance Team. He also
served as Secretary, Irrigation in Haryana. As Additional Secretary for
Ministries of Renewable Energy and also of Steel in GOI, Dr. Quraishi piloted
wide ranging reforms.
Writings
Dr. Quraishi has a number of books, articles and talks to his credit on issues
related to democracy, elections, HIV AIDS and Family Planning, social marketing,
women and child development and Youth. His book ‘Social Marketing for Social
Change’ has broken new ground in the field of Development Communication.
Awards
Dr. Quraishi has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his
contribution to civil society and human development issues. Among these are, the
Nehru Fellow for innovative and outstanding work in child welfare, Secular India
Harmony Award for contribution to human understanding, Silver Elephant National
Award of Indian Scouts and Guides in recognition of service of most exceptional
character to the movement, Shiromani Award for merit, high calibre and
commitment to National Progress and Human Welfare.
Miscellany
Dr. Quraishi has widely travelled across India and the globe. He headed Indian
delegations at a large number of
international conferences and discussions. He is an avid musician and spends
most of his leisure time among people and friends with musical interests.
Dr S.Y. Quraishi assumed charge of the Chief Election Commissioner of India on 30th July 2010. He relinquished the charge of CEC on 10th June 2012.
