If sources in the West Bengal administration are to be believed, current Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal (IAS:1990:WB) is all set to be appointed as the new Chief Secretary of the state by the newly-formed BJP government.
This is considered to be a reward for him for the successful conduct of what has widely been described as free, fair, and peaceful Assembly elections in Bengal. According to sources, Agarwal’s leadership during the Assembly elections significantly strengthened his credentials.
But it is not the only criterion for his possible elevation to the top bureaucratic post. Administrative circles believe that Agarwal has emerged as the frontrunner for the top post owing to his performance in handling key responsibilities over the years. Otherwise, there are several officers from his batch—such as Vivek Kumar, Hridesh Mohan, and Vivek Bharadwaj—who are still in service.
As Agarwal is scheduled to retire on July 31, he could be appointed as the Chief Secretary for an initial tenure of around two-and-a-half months, with the possibility of an extension if required.
An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Agarwal is regarded as one of the most experienced bureaucrats in the state administration, who was earlier overlooked for the post of Chief Secretary—a decision that is said to have caused disappointment within sections of the administrative fraternity close to him. Instead, the Mamata Banerjee-led government had recommended his name for the post of Chief Electoral Officer.
Agarwal has vast administrative experience, having held several key positions in the state government. After serving as District Magistrate of Burdwan in 2001, he went on to serve as Chairman of the West Bengal Highway Corporation, Principal Secretary of the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, Principal Secretary of the Food Department, Additional Chief Secretary of the Fire and Emergency Services Department, and Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department. Also, he is currently serving as President of the IAS Association in the state.
The speculation of Agarwal’s possible elevation was further fueled after incumbent Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala reportedly visited the CEO office and held a meeting with Agarwal on Thursday.
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