1975-batch IAS officer’s central deputation ends next month; he is among the contenders.
The decision of Binay Kumar Sinha, a 1975-batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, to return to the state at the end of his central deputation in October has surprised many. For, normally, an officer of additional secretary-level to government of India does not prefer to come back to state cadre.
At the same time, the decision has also changed the equation at the top level so far as appointment of new chief secretary is concerned.
According to a senior bureaucrat, “So far Balwant Singh and AK Jyoti were the main contenders for the position of chief secretary after incumbent D Rajagopalan retires in December. Sinha’s return can definitely make a difference in the situation. It would become a triangular fight between these three officers of 1975 batch.”
At the very least, Sinha could be given additional chief secretary (ACS) grade on his return. “He was offered a promotion to ACS level last year when Singh and Jyoti were given the same positions. However, the Union textile ministry was reluctant as there were some important projects going on.
So, ideally, he would be given the promotion now,” a friend and a senior babu opined. “Though this might dash the hopes of some of Sinha’s juniors who had a better chance at one of the ACS posts in his absence.”
Another senior bureaucrat offered an interesting parameter to decide on eligibility for the top post in state administration.
“It is expected that the chief secretary should have enough experience in three key departments of state government- home, industries and finance. Only Sinha seems to fit the scale by these standards.” He, however, opined in the same breath: “The present political bosses though hardly care for such things.”
However, the top babu also offered another solution, which could leave the path open for Singh and Jyoti. “Twice in recent years Sudha Anchalia and BK Sinha had followed each other for certain postings. Earlier the post of principal secretary of urban development and then that of managing director of GMDC went from one to the other.”
He added, “Precedence could be repeated and Sinha could be posted as Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers managing director, a post vacated by Anchalia on retirement. It will be interesting to watch.”
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