Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari set to retire on 30th September, the Hemant Soren Government has begun the process to finalise her successor. According to sources, 1991-batch IAS officer Shailesh Kumar Singh, presently on central deputation as Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, is the leading choice for the Jharkhand’s top bureaucratic post. The State is expected to send a formal request to the Centre for his repatriation soon.
Also Read: Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari is Retiring on 30th September, Shailendra Singh Top in Seniority List
Cabinet Must Decide Before Durga Puja Holidays
Given the festival calendar, only seven working days remain before Mrs. Tiwari demits office. Secretariat will remain closed on weekends and during holidays for Vishwakarma Puja (17th Sept), Kalash Sthapana (22nd Sept), Maha Saptami (29th Sept), and Mahanavami (30th Sept). This tight timeline has increased urgency for the appointment, as the Government would want a smooth transition before the festive break.
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Alternate Scenarios Under Discussion
Sources said that the State Government may request an extension of Alka Tiwari’s tenure or appoint her as State Election Commissioner, if needed. Other senior IAS officers in contention include Vandana Dadel, currently Principal Secretary, Home and Cabinet Department, who is due for promotion to Chief Secretary rank from 1st January, and Nidhi Khare, 1992-batch IAS officer serving as Secretary, Ministry of Food and Public Distribution, but presently settled in Delhi with her husband Amit Khare, Secretary to Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan.
Political Calculations at Play
Observers say that the arrangement suits the Government as Shailesh Kumar Singh is scheduled to retire in March 2026, paving the way for Vandana Dadel to take over thereafter. Meanwhile, officers like Ajay Kumar Singh (1995 batch), Satyendra Kumar Singh (on deputation), and Nitin Madan Kulkarni are considered less likely contenders. Insiders suggest Chief Minister Hemant Soren is not inclined to shift his Additional Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar from the CMO, making Singh’s appointment the most practical solution.
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