Rajasthan chief secretary NC Goel likely to get extension nod

Rajasthan state chief secretary NC Goel, who is set to retire from the post on April 30, is likely to get an extension as Vasundhara Raje-led state government has already sent a proposal to the Centre in this regard.

According to highly placed sources, NC Goel may get an extension of three months as a result of Raje government sending a proposal to the department of personnel and training (DoPT).

Goel has played a key role in the execution of the state government's ambitious projects including inauguration of the Barmer refinery in his four-month tenure.

In case his extension is not granted, DB Gupta, ACS finance, is the top contender for the post.

Given the past record of extension of chief secretaries of states, Goel will likely continue, In the last four months the Centre has approved extension of chief secretaries in two states. Karnataka, a state ruled by the Congress, had recommended extension of its chief secretary K Ratna Prabha which was approved by the Centre in March. Bihar, which is a state ruled by NDA, also got a nod for the extension of chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh in February.

Raje government itself had been able to get the tenure of former Chief secretary CS Rajan extended twice for three months each. After retirement, Rajan is currently working closely with the state government as the Vice-Chairman of CM's Advisory council.

As Raje government enters into final leg before the assembly elections, experts believe that it may not risk of replace Goel. His extension for three months mean execution of pending and ongoing schemes a fast track manner which could work for poll benefits.

Notable, under All India Service (Death Cum Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India clears extension of the chief secretary. The rule say, "A member of the Service shall retire from the service with effect from the afternoon of the last day of the month in which he attains the age of sixty years... And he or she "may be given extension of service for a period not exceeding three months in public interest, with the prior approval of the Central Government".

RAJE’S SUPPORT

• Vasundhara Raje-led state government has already sent a proposal to the Centre seeking an extension for NC Goel.
   
• Goel is likely to get a three-month tenure nod from the Centre.