The first Chief Election Commissioner of India was Sukumar Sen. He played a crucial role in shaping the electoral system of the country and ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.

Early Life and Education:
Sukumar Sen was born on January 10, 1899, in Bengal. He completed his education from the University of Calcutta, where he studied economics and political science. Sen went on to pursue a career in the Indian Civil Service and held several important administrative positions before being appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner.

Appointment as Chief Election Commissioner:
Sukumar Sen was appointed as the first Chief Election Commissioner of India on March 21, 1950, by the President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. This marked the establishment of the Election Commission of India and the beginning of independent and fair elections in the country.

Contributions and Achievements:
During his tenure as the Chief Election Commissioner, Sukumar Sen made significant contributions to the electoral process in India. Some of his key achievements include:

1. Conducting the First General Elections: Sukumar Sen successfully supervised the first general elections in India, which were held in 1951-1952. These elections were a massive undertaking, considering the size and diversity of the country. Sen demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and ensured that the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner.

2. Introducing Electoral Reforms: As the Chief Election Commissioner, Sukumar Sen introduced several reforms to strengthen the electoral system. He implemented the system of using ballot papers instead of the earlier practice of using open voting. This step helped in maintaining the secrecy of the vote and minimizing electoral malpractices.

3. Establishing the Election Commission’s Independence: Sen played a crucial role in establishing the autonomy and independence of the Election Commission. He emphasized the need for a non-partisan approach and worked towards ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent and impartial.

Legacy:
Sukumar Sen's tenure as the first Chief Election Commissioner laid the foundation for the democratic electoral system in India. His contributions and reforms continue to shape the electoral process of the country to this day. His commitment to conducting free and fair elections set a high standard for subsequent Election Commissioners and helped establish the credibility of the Election Commission of India.