Who Will Be the Next Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand? Speculation Heats Up
The race for the next Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand is gaining momentum as the tenure of the current Chief Secretary, Radha Raturi, is set to end this month. She has already received two six-month extensions, but a third extension seems unlikely. Reports suggest that she has recently applied for the position of Chief Information Commissioner, indicating that she is set to take on a new role instead of continuing as Chief Secretary. Radha Raturi, a 1988 batch IAS officer, was appointed as the Chief Secretary on January 31, 2024, just two months before her scheduled retirement, making history as the first female Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand. After her initial tenure, the state government extended her service for six months, followed by another extension in September. However, this time, it is almost certain that a new senior bureaucrat will take over the position.
Who Are the Front-Runners?
According to seniority, the most likely candidate is Anand Bardhan, a 1992 batch IAS officer, who has already been empaneled for a Secretary-level post at the Centre. However, he has expressed his desire to continue serving in Uttarakhand. Following him in seniority are Principal Secretary L. Fanai and Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, both from the 1997 IAS batch. They are soon expected to qualify for the Additional Chief Secretary rank.
Government’s Decision Expected Soon
To be eligible for the Chief Secretary position, an officer must have completed at least 30 years of service. Based on seniority, Anand Bardhan remains the most suitable candidate. Given his recent empanelment at the Centre, he is well-qualified for the role. With limited options, the state government is expected to make a final decision by the last week of March. All eyes are now on the government’s next move regarding this crucial appointment.
