Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi is likely to assume a key constitutional and governance-related role after his retirement, with indications suggesting that he is the strongest contender for appointment as the full-fledged Chief Commissioner of the Haryana Right to Service (RTS) Commission.
The development comes shortly after the Haryana Government entrusted Rastogi with the additional charge of the commission, a move widely viewed in administrative circles as a precursor to his formal appointment to the post.
Government Assigns Additional Charge
According to a government order issued on June 3, the Haryana Right to Service Commission has been placed under the charge of Anurag Rastogi with immediate effect until a regular appointment is made.
The post became vacant following the completion of the tenure of T C Gupta, a 1987-batch Haryana cadre IAS officer, who demitted office on May 27, 2026.
The assignment of additional charge to the state’s senior-most bureaucrat is being interpreted as a significant indication of the government’s confidence in his administrative capabilities and governance experience.
Strongest Contender for Permanent Appointment
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Rastogi currently enjoys a clear advantage over any potential contenders for the position.
Experts note that he satisfies all statutory eligibility requirements prescribed under the provisions governing appointments to the RTS Commission.
Given his extensive administrative experience and long tenure in public service, many observers believe his appointment as Chief Commissioner would ensure continuity and institutional stability within the commission.
Unless the state government decides to grant him another extension in service beyond June 30, 2026, his transition to the RTS Commission is considered highly probable.
Retirement Due at End of June
Anurag Rastogi, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, was originally scheduled to retire on June 30, 2025.
However, the Centre granted him a one-year extension in service, enabling him to continue as Chief Secretary of Haryana until June 30, 2026.
With the completion of the extended tenure approaching, discussions regarding his post-retirement assignment have gained momentum.
The RTS Commission appointment is now emerging as the most likely option for the senior bureaucrat.
Understanding the Importance of the RTS Commission
The Haryana Right to Service Commission plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability and timely delivery of public services to citizens.
The commission oversees the implementation of the Haryana Right to Service Act, which guarantees delivery of notified government services within prescribed timelines.
It is empowered to monitor compliance, address grievances related to delays in service delivery and promote citizen-centric governance reforms.
Given the commission’s growing importance in improving administrative efficiency and public accountability, the post of Chief Commissioner carries substantial significance within Haryana’s governance framework.
Tenure and Powers of the Chief Commissioner
Under existing provisions, the Chief Commissioner of the RTS Commission holds office for a term of five years or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The position carries responsibilities related to:
- Monitoring implementation of the Right to Service Act
- Improving public service delivery mechanisms
- Addressing citizen grievances
- Enhancing administrative accountability
- Strengthening governance reforms
The commission has increasingly become a key instrument for promoting transparency and responsiveness in government functioning.
Anurag Rastogi’s Administrative Journey
Over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Anurag Rastogi has held several important positions in the Haryana administration.
Known for his expertise in public finance, governance and policy implementation, he has played a pivotal role in shaping key administrative and developmental initiatives in the state.
His elevation to the post of Chief Secretary marked the culmination of a long bureaucratic career characterized by extensive experience across multiple sectors of governance.
Observers believe such experience would be valuable in leading an institution dedicated to citizen services and administrative accountability.
Rehabilitation of Retired Bureaucrats Through Statutory Bodies
Appointments of retired senior civil servants to statutory commissions and regulatory institutions have long been a feature of administrative governance in India.
Such appointments are often viewed as a means of leveraging the institutional knowledge and governance experience accumulated by senior officers during their service careers.
In Rastogi’s case, the additional charge and the vacancy at the RTS Commission have fueled expectations that the government may soon formalize his appointment as Chief Commissioner.
Decision Expected Soon
With his retirement date drawing near and the RTS Commission currently functioning under his additional charge, a final decision on the appointment is expected in the coming weeks.
If appointed, Rastogi would move from the state’s highest bureaucratic office to one of Haryana’s most important citizen-service oversight institutions, continuing his association with public administration even after retirement.
For now, administrative circles remain focused on whether the government proceeds with a formal appointment or opts for an alternative arrangement before the end of June.
