Senior IAS officer Rajneesh Goel (IAS:1986:KN) appears to be a strong contender for the forthcoming position of Chief Secretary in Karnataka. The current Chief Secretary, Vandita Sharma (IAS:1986:KN), is scheduled to retire in November. Although the Siddharamaiah government has not made a definitive decision yet, Goel’s prior appointment as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister in May underscores the government’s trust in his capabilities. Moreover, Goel holds the most senior position among IAS officers in the state after Vandita Sharma, making him a prime candidate for the Chief Secretary role. It’s worth noting that the state has typically prioritized seniority when selecting a Chief Secretary, with only a few exceptions.
Nevertheless, the names of other senior IAS officers like Ajay Seth (IAS:1987:KN), V Manjula (IAS:1987:KN), and Rakesh Singh (IAS:1987:KN) are also being considered. In the corridors of power, there’s speculation that Seth may not compete for the position, given his current role as Secretary at the Department of Economic Affairs, where he played a pivotal role in the recent G20 summit. Manjula, while junior to Goel, is still a strong contender due to her empanelment as Secretary last year.
Rakesh Singh presents another potential candidate, particularly as he is set to retire in May, while Goel’s retirement is scheduled for July next year.
