With Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas scheduled to retire on August 31, the state government has begun the process of identifying his successor to the top bureaucratic post.
While the option of Srinivas being granted an extension is still open, if he fails to get it, the govt has to be prepared with alternate arrangements. Under the existing provisions, the central govt. can grant two extensions of six months each, and several Chief Secretaries have received extensions in the past.
However, sources in the state secretariat suggest that Srinivas may not be interested in seeking an extension and could prefer a posting in Delhi before retirement.
Perhaps having it in mind, the state govt is said to be preparing a list of potential candidates to ensure a smooth transition. Four senior IAS officers are currently considered the leading contenders for the CS post.
IAS officer Abhay Kumar (IAS:1992:RJ) is considered leading the race as the frontrunner based on his seniority. Currently posted as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Water Resources Department, Kumar has been overseeing the Ramjal Setu Link Project, one of the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt’s flagship initiatives. He is scheduled to retire on August 31, 2028.
If the government follows the traditional seniority principle, Kumar’s claim is likely to be among the strongest.
Rajat Kumar Mishra (IAS:1992:RJ) is another key contender, currently serving on central deputation as Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers. He is due to retire on January 31, 2028.
Mishra is regarded as an experienced administrator with expertise in financial management and policy implementation. He is seen as having strong policymaking credentials, and if the Rajasthan govt prioritises closer coordination with the Centre, Mishra could emerge as a strong choice.
Akhil Arora (IAS:1993:RJ) is another top contender in the fray. Currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Chief Minister, he oversees the functioning of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Further, he has much of the service left as he is due to retire in February 2029.
However, appointing Arora would mean superseding officers from the 1992 batch. But there are precedents of junior officers being appointed to the CS post superseding several senior officers.
Aparna Arora (IAS:1993:RJ), currently serving as ACS in the Mines and Petroleum Department, is also considered a strong contender for the top job because of her seniority and experience in handling high-profile departments. She is set to retire in 2029.
If she is appointed CS, several IAS officers senior to her in the 1992 and 1993 batches may need to be shifted outside the Secretariat.
It should be pointed out here that, unlike the appointment of a DGP, the selection of a Chief Secretary does not require a UPSC panel. While seniority is traditionally considered the criterion, the Chief Minister has the authority to choose any suitable IAS officer for the post.
Get Latest Updates