Chandigarh/New Delhi: The Central Government has approved a six-month extension in service for Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi (IAS:1990:HY), allowing him to continue as the state’s top bureaucrat until December 31, 2026.
The approval came following a recommendation from the Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana Government, which sought to retain Rastogi in view of several key governance, financial and digital reform initiatives currently underway in the state.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 30, 2026, the Centre has extended Rastogi’s tenure from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, by relaxing Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
The latest decision marks IAS officer Rastogi’s second extension in service, making him one of the few Chief Secretaries to receive consecutive extensions.
Second Extension Approved by the Centre
Mr Rastogi was originally scheduled to retire on June 30, 2025. However, in June 2025, the Centre approved the Haryana government’s proposal to extend his tenure by one year, allowing him to continue until June 30, 2026.
With that tenure ending, the Haryana government once again approached the Centre seeking his continuation as Chief Secretary.
The proposal has now been approved, enabling Rastogi to remain in office for another six months until December 31, 2026.
The extension order was received by Haryana’s General Administration Department on Tuesday evening.
Extension Granted by Relaxing AIS Rules
The DoPT order states that the extension has been granted after relaxing Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
Interestingly, Rule 16(1) ordinarily permits only a six-month extension in service for a Chief Secretary.
However, in 2025, the Centre had gone a step further by invoking Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conditions of Service – Residuary Matters) Rules, 1960, to grant Rastogi an unprecedented one-year extension.
The latest approval restores the tenure to the standard six-month period permitted under the rules.
Why the Haryana Government Wanted Rastogi to Continue
The Haryana government reportedly cited multiple reasons while seeking IAS Rastogi’s continuation as Chief Secretary.
1. Administrative Continuity During Key Reforms
The state is presently implementing several important governance and technology-driven initiatives, including:
- Paperless property registration system
- E-governance projects
- Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID)-linked welfare programmes
- Major investment and industrial projects
- Centrally sponsored development schemes
The government believes that continuity at the administrative leadership level will help maintain the momentum of these projects.
2. Trusted Officer of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini
Within bureaucratic circles, Anurag Rastogi is widely regarded as one of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s most trusted officers.
Officials point to the close coordination between the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Chief Secretary’s Office, which has facilitated quicker decision-making on major policy matters.
Notably, even when Rastogi underwent bypass surgery, the additional charge of Chief Secretary was reportedly not handed over to another officer, reflecting the government’s confidence in his leadership.
3. Extensive Financial and Administrative Experience
Rastogi has handled some of Haryana’s most important financial and administrative portfolios during his career.
The government considers his experience particularly valuable at a time when the state is pursuing infrastructure expansion, fiscal management and governance reforms.
His expertise in finance and policy implementation is seen as an important factor behind the decision.
Who Missed the Opportunity to Become Chief Secretary?
The extension effectively postpones the possibility of several senior officers assuming the state’s top bureaucratic post.
Sudhir Rajpal (IAS:1990:HY)
The senior-most officer in the cadre, Rajpal currently oversees:
- Home Department
- Prisons
- Criminal Investigation
- Administration of Justice
- Environment, Forest and Wildlife
Scheduled to retire in November 2026, he was considered the natural successor based on seniority.
Sumita Misra (IAS:1990:HY)
Another senior contender, Sumita Misra currently holds charge of:
- Revenue & Disaster Management
- Financial Commissioner
- Consolidation
- Health
- Medical Education
- AYUSH
Known for her administrative experience, she retires in January 2027.
Arun Kumar Gupta (IAS:1992:HY)
Currently serving as:
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Additional Chief Secretary, Finance & Planning
IAS Gupta is regarded as one of the most influential officers in the Chief Minister’s Office but was also overlooked.
Appointment as Chief Secretary in 2025
IAS Rastogi was appointed Chief Secretary of Haryana in February 2025 after Vivek Joshi (IAS:1989:HY)opted for voluntary retirement upon being appointed as an Election Commissioner.
His appointment attracted attention because the government departed from the convention of appointing the senior-most officer in the cadre.
According to the Haryana IAS gradation list, Sudhir Rajpal is the senior-most among the 1990-batch officers, followed by Sumita Misra, Anurag Rastogi and Raja Sekhar Vundru.
However, the inter se seniority dispute among officers of the 1990 batch remains unresolved.
Who is Anurag Rastogi?
Mr Rastogi is a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre and currently serves as the Chief Secretary of Haryana, the highest-ranking civil servant in the state.
Known for his expertise in finance and public administration, he has over 35 years of administrative experience.
Personal Background
- Date of Birth: June 21, 1965
- Home State: Uttar Pradesh
- Cadre: Haryana
- Batch: 1990
- Recruitment: Direct Recruit through UPSC Civil Services Examination
Educational Qualifications
- B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering
- B.E. in Fluid Mechanics
Current Responsibilities
Besides serving as Chief Secretary, Rastogi also holds additional responsibilities as:
- Additional Chief Secretary, Finance & Planning Department
- Chief Commissioner, Haryana Right to Service Commission
Distinguished Administrative Career
Over more than three decades, Mr Rastogi has served in 26 postings across 12 locations.
His major assignments include:
- Home Secretary, Haryana
- Financial Commissioner (Revenue)
- Additional Chief Secretary, Finance
- Principal Secretary, Excise & Taxation
- Principal Secretary, Panchayats
- Deputy Commissioner, Hisar
- Deputy Commissioner, Panipat
- Managing Director, HARTRON
His extensive experience spans governance, finance, revenue administration and public service delivery.
Continuity at the Top
With the latest extension, Anurag Rastogi will continue leading Haryana’s bureaucracy through a crucial period marked by governance reforms, digital transformation and investment initiatives.
The decision underscores the Haryana government’s preference for administrative continuity as it pursues long-term development programmes and prepares for future policy challenges.
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