Speculation is intensifying over whether Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain (IAS:1989:MP) will receive an extension or retire as scheduled on August 31, 2025, upon turning 60. Sources indicate that, for now, Jain is likely to be granted an extension, but the final decision is expected closer to the end of August.
Anurag Jain’s appointment as Chief Secretary in 2024 was significantly influenced by the central government. He was repatriated from central deputation—where he was serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, with additional charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs—and appointed Chief Secretary on September 30, 2024. He took charge on October 1, following the end of Veera Rana’s (IAS:1988:MP) extended tenure.
Officials familiar with the matter say Jain is meeting the expectations of both the Centre and the state government, which strengthens his prospects for a six-month extension.
However, a last-minute change cannot be ruled out—as seen in Chhattisgarh, where Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain (IAS:1987:CG), who was all set to retire with farewell messages from top officials, was unexpectedly granted a three-month extension, surprising many who believed his departure was certain.
If Anurag Jain does not receive an extension, two names are being widely discussed as possible successors: Dr. Rajesh Rajora (IAS:1990:MP), Additional Chief Secretary and Vice President of the Narmada Valley Development Department; and Alka Upadhyaya (IAS:1990:MP), currently serving as Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying at the Centre. Both are experienced and regarded as strong administrative choices.
It’s worth noting that before Anurag Jain’s appointment, Dr. Rajesh Rajora was almost finalised for the Chief Secretary’s position.
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