The State of Jharkhand will get new Chief Secretary as soon as the Election Commission of India gives a green signal on one of the names prescribed by the State Government to it. Highly placed sources in the government confided that the government has sent the list of top IAS officers for the post to the ECI for its approval.
Incumbent Chief Secretary Sudhir Tripathi, a 1985 batch IAS officer, is due to retire on March 31. He has already been given two extensions and is unlikely to be given further extension.
Sources said that Development Commissioner Devendra Kumar Tiwari, a 1986 batch IAS officer, is likely to get the top bureaucratic post in the State. Tiwari is one of the most senior IAS officers serving in the State and has a spotless career.
Other senior officers of Jharkhand cadre are on central deputation including Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba (1982 batch), Union Finance Secretary Rajeev Kumar (1984 batch) and Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Amit Khare (1985 batch). 1983 batch IAS officer BK Tripathi is presently serving in the State but is due to retire in August this year.
Officers junior to DK Tiwari are 1987 batch IAS officer NN Sinha, who is also on Central deputation. 1987 batch officers IS Chaturvedi and Sukhdeo Singh are also said to be in the list, said sources.