IAS officer Ajay Kumar (IAS:2006:GJ), who is now serving as Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, has been given relief from the extended cooling-off period. An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on March 16, 2026 said the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Gujarat government. The Centre has relaxed the extended cooling-off condition after his early return to the state.
Ajay Kumar was on central deputation from August 2, 2019. His five-year term was to end in August 2024. It was later extended in July 2024 till August 2026. But he was sent back to Gujarat in November 2025, before completing the extended term.
As per rules, IAS officers at Joint Secretary level have to complete a three-year cooling-off period in their cadre before going on central deputation again. Since he returned early, his cooling-off period would have increased by around nine months.
Now, with this relaxation, he will not have to wait for the extra period. He will be eligible for future central postings without that delay.
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