Kumar was chosen by consensus by a panel comprising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj.
Though it is not officially announced, sources in government said that Kumar, would take charge of the new assignment after July 31. He is retiring as Defence Secretary on July 31.
Kumar is a Haryana-cadre IAS officer of the 1972 batch. He was Secretary, Defence Production, before becoming the Defence Secretary. He will have a four year term as prescribed under the CVC Act.
“The name has been finalised… I have not raised any objection,” Swaraj told media after the meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence but she refused to disclose the name.
Four months ago the Supreme Court had quashed the appointment of P.J. Thomas as CVC. Thomas’ selection had created a major controversy with reports coming out about his facing a chargesheet in the palmolein import scandal in Kerala.
The Supreme Court had on March 3 set aside the appointment of Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner.
In the midst of a raging controversy, the Prime Minister had also accepted responsibility for the selection.