In a surprising development, Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary and 1990 batch IAS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, Mr Prabodh Saxena, who was set to retire on March 31, has been granted a six-month extension in office.
A letter was sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) requesting an extension for Prabodh Saxena. Late in the evening, the proposal to grant him a six-month extension was approved in Delhi. Therefore, he will remain in the position for the next six months.
Saxena’s exit had been anticipated, with the Himachal IAS Officers Association hosting a farewell dinner for him on Friday night. During the event, Saxena made an unexpected announcement about his extension, catching many of the attendees off guard.
Earlier that evening, a symbolic cap and muffler, intended as a farewell gift after a state cabinet meeting, were promptly returned after confirmation of his extended tenure.
Reports indicate that the Union Department of Personnel and Training issued the extension letter earlier on Friday. Saxena had previously applied for the position of RERA Chairman, further fueling speculation about his imminent departure.
Four senior IAS officers with over 30 years of experience – Sanjay Sharma (IAS: 1988: HP), Kamlesh Kumar Pant (IAS: 1993: HP), Anuradha Thakur (IAS: 1994: HP), and Onkar Chand Sharma (IAS: 1994: HP) – were considered likely successors, with Pant and Sharma being viewed as frontrunners.
With Saxena’s extension, the race for the next Chief Secretary has been temporarily paused. Saxena, appointed as Chief Secretary on January 2, 2023, will now continue in the role until September 30, 2025.
