Senior IAS officer Shalini Rajneesh (IAS:1989:KN) is likely to succeed her husband Rajneesh Goel (IAS:1986:KN) as Chief Secretary of Karnataka. Rajneesh Goel is set to retire on July 31 and Shalini Rajneesh is expected to take over on August 1. Presently, Shalini Rajneesh is serving as Additional Chief Secretary-cum- Development Commissioner.
The state government seems to have chosen Shalini over Ajay Seth (IAS:1987:KN), currently on central deputation as Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs until June 30, 2025.
Shalini Rajneesh will be the second bureaucrat in Karnataka’s history to assume the role of Chief Secretary immediately after her husband’s retirement. The first such instance involved B K Bhattacharya, who served as Chief Secretary in 2000 till December 30, and his wife Teresa Bhattacharya, who held the position from January 1, 2001, to March 30, 2002.
Rajneesh and Shalini have both had significant tenures as Chief Secretary, with Rajneesh retiring after 8 months and Shalini expected to serve until June 30, 2027, giving her nearly three more years in service.
Rajneesh Goel was appointed as Chief Secretary in the third week of November, 2023 and took charge of the post on December 1, following the retirement of the incumbent Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma (IAS:1986:KN) on November 30.
Also Read: Karnataka: Rajneesh Goel appointed new Chief Secretary
