New Delhi, (UNI) Former chief Election Commissioner of India Manohar Singh Gill passed away on Sunday at a private hospital in South Delhi.
The Election Commission of India issued a statement expressing condolences on the demise of MS Gill who was 11th Chief Election Commissioner.
MS Gill was an officer of the 1958 batch of Indian Administrative Services Punjab cadre was CEC during the period from December 1996 to June 2001, Election Commission said in a statement.
During his tenure as CEC, ECI successfully conducted the General Elections and General Elections to Legislative Assemblies in more than 20 states, it said.
MS Gill was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the year 2000 for his exceptional and distinguished services as a civil servant, it said.
Condoling Gill’s death, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X, “Extremely saddened at the passing away of former Union Minister, Padma Vibhushan, Shri Manohar Singh Gill ji. As a valued colleague in the UPA govt and earlier as a civil servant, his contributions to development of the nation in varied fields like sports, electoral processes and agriculture was long lasting. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and followers, I pray to the almighty for his eternal peace.”