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Pankaj Kumar is new Gujarat CS; Mukim’s spotless career and controversy-free stint may earn him dividends
By Rakesh Ranjan- 28 Aug 2021
2793New Delhi (28.08.2021): Pankaj Kumar, a 1986 Batch IAS, will be the new chief secretary of Gujarat from next Tuesday when the 1985-batch IAS officer Anil Gopishankar Mukim completes his extended tenure. Mukim was appointed as CS in November 2019 and was given a six-month extension twice in August 2020 and in February 2021. Key sources had hinted to Indianmandarins that Kumar appeared to have a clear edge over other contenders to become Mukim’s successor. Pankaj Kumar, a native of Patna in Bihar, is currently the Additional Chief Secretary in the state Home Department. The government chose him over two IAS officers from the 1986 batch — Dr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, ACS, Industry & Mines and Vipul Mitra, ACS, Panchayat, Rural Housing, and Rural Development. Further, It is widely believed that Guruprasad Mohapatra's sudden death made the way for Kumar who previously held key positions in Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, Gujarat Maritime Board, GSRTC, and the Revenue department. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had, amid rumors about Mukim’s further extension ahead of state assembly elections, dropped a hint on Wednesday that this was Mukim's last cabinet meeting and hence he would be clearing the deck for his junior. Rupani had indicated that the state was desirous of availing his advice and services which is seen to hint about the latter's high credentials in New Delhi. Rupani's hint is interpreted as the confirmation that Mukim may be retained in some post-retirement official positions either in the state or in New Delhi. What that position could be is a matter of guess. A section of insiders in the state says that Mukim may be made either the head of Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Authority (GERC) or Director of the Gift City (Gujarat). The last position is expected to fall vacant soon. On the other hand sources at the Centre believe that Mukim may be made the next Chief Vigilance Commissioner or Secretary in the PMO. Normally, governments don't even remotely hint about the post-retirement assignment for an officer but Rupani’s words have cleared that Mukim will be rewarded for his spotless career and a controversy-free stint in the center and state. (By Rakesh Ranjan)
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Pankaj Kumar is new Gujarat CS; Mukim’s spotless career and controversy-free stint may earn him dividends
By Rakesh Ranjan - 2021-08-28 05:15:00
New Delhi (28.08.2021): Pankaj Kumar, a 1986 Batch IAS, will be the new chief secretary of Gujarat from next Tuesday when the 1985-batch IAS officer Anil Gopishankar Mukim completes his extended tenure.
Mukim was appointed as CS in November 2019 and was given a six-month extension twice in August 2020 and in February 2021.
Key sources had hinted to Indianmandarins that Kumar appeared to have a clear edge over other contenders to become Mukim’s successor.
Pankaj Kumar, a native of Patna in Bihar, is currently the Additional Chief Secretary in the state Home Department. The government chose him over two IAS officers from the 1986 batch — Dr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, ACS, Industry & Mines and Vipul Mitra, ACS, Panchayat, Rural Housing, and Rural Development.
Further, It is widely believed that Guruprasad Mohapatra's sudden death made the way for Kumar who previously held key positions in Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, Gujarat Maritime Board, GSRTC, and the Revenue department.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had, amid rumors about Mukim’s further extension ahead of state assembly elections, dropped a hint on Wednesday that this was Mukim's last cabinet meeting and hence he would be clearing the deck for his junior. Rupani had indicated that the state was desirous of availing his advice and services which is seen to hint about the latter's high credentials in New Delhi.
Rupani's hint is interpreted as the confirmation that Mukim may be retained in some post-retirement official positions either in the state or in New Delhi. What that position could be is a matter of guess.
A section of insiders in the state says that Mukim may be made either the head of Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Authority (GERC) or Director of the Gift City (Gujarat). The last position is expected to fall vacant soon. On the other hand sources at the Centre believe that Mukim may be made the next Chief Vigilance Commissioner or Secretary in the PMO.
Normally, governments don't even remotely hint about the post-retirement assignment for an officer but Rupani’s words have cleared that Mukim will be rewarded for his spotless career and a controversy-free stint in the center and state.
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
