Rastogi Gets Extension as Haryana Chief Secretary

In a significant administrative decision, senior IAS officer TVSN Prasad Rastogi has been given an extension as the Chief Secretary of Haryana, postponing his scheduled retirement that was set for June 30. The extension has surprised many within bureaucratic circles, particularly the three IAS officers who were seen as frontrunners for the top post and were anticipating a leadership change

Rastogi, a 1986-batch IAS officer, was due to retire at the end of this month after completing his term as the state’s top bureaucrat. However, considering his administrative experience and ongoing responsibilities, the Haryana government has decided to retain him in office for a further period. Sources in the state secretariat have confirmed that the extension was approved at the highest level, and a formal notification is expected to follow soon

This move has come as a blow to at least three senior IAS officers who were in the line of succession and were reportedly preparing to take over the reins. Their hopes have now been put on hold, leading to discussions and murmurs within the bureaucracy about the future course of appointments in the state’s top administration

Rastogi has held several key portfolios over his long career and is credited with steering critical state policies during his tenure. Supporters of the decision argue that continuity at the top administrative level will help maintain policy momentum and ensure the smooth implementation of ongoing projects, especially with upcoming elections and governance challenges

However, critics view this extension as a signal that the political leadership is reluctant to hand over charge to a new officer at a time of sensitive political and administrative shifts. Some bureaucrats believe the extension may lead to internal discontent, with other eligible officers feeling sidelined

The Chief Secretary’s post in any state is highly prestigious and influential, often involving key decisions that impact governance, development projects, and personnel management. With Rastogi’s term now extended, it remains to be seen how the government will manage the aspirations and morale of other senior officers waiting in line

As Haryana continues to gear up for upcoming governance reforms and administrative changes, this move is expected to remain a topic of discussion within both bureaucratic and political circles in the weeks to come