Bureaucratic Shuffle: Rajesh Aggarwal Poised to Become Next Chief Secretary

In a significant administrative development, senior IAS officer Rajesh Aggarwal has been repatriated to his parent cadre, the Government of Maharashtra, sparking widespread speculation that he is the top frontrunner to assume the coveted post of the state’s next Chief Secretary (CS).

A Return to Maharashtra

The central government’s Appointments Committee of the Cabinet recently approved the request from the Government of Maharashtra for the repatriation of Mr. Aggarwal. He is a distinguished 1989-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, who was most recently serving at the Centre as the Secretary in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

This move positions him as the most senior bureaucrat in the state and a strong contender to succeed the current Chief Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Meena, whose extended tenure is scheduled to conclude at the end of November.

The Race for the Top Post

The appointment to the Chief Secretary role is one of the most crucial in the state’s bureaucracy, as the individual acts as the principal advisor to the Chief Minister and heads the state’s civil services.

• Seniority and Tenure: Mr. Aggarwal’s return makes him the most senior officer in the state. Notably, he is set to retire in November 2026, which would afford him a tenure of approximately one year as Chief Secretary. The longer tenure is seen by many in the government as a significant advantage, as previous Chief Secretaries have often had very short tenures, which some argue hinders the ability to implement major reforms effectively.
• Other Contenders: Mr. Aggarwal’s potential appointment could supersede other senior officers in the running, including his batchmate, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) I S Chahal. Mr. Chahal, a highly regarded officer, was previously considered a frontrunner before the current CS received an extension, and his retirement is slated for January of the following year, which offers a shorter possible tenure.

While the decision is ultimately the prerogative of the Chief Minister, who will consult with cabinet colleagues, Mr. Aggarwal’s repatriation and seniority strongly suggest a preference for him to take over the mantle of the state’s administrative head.

Aggarwal’s Extensive Experience

Rajesh Aggarwal brings a wealth of experience from both central and state postings. Before his central deputation, which spanned nearly a decade, he held key positions within Maharashtra, including Collector of Akola and various roles in the Information Technology, Accounts, and Treasury departments. His central stints saw him manage crucial departments such as Financial Services, Tribal Affairs, Skill Development, Petroleum, and Social Welfare, demonstrating a diverse administrative acumen essential for the state’s top bureaucratic job.

The decision is expected soon, as the state government prepares for a smooth transition in leadership at the apex of its administrative machinery.