With the impending retirement of Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Jain and Additional Chief Secretary Mr. J.N. Kansotia, speculation is rife about who will succeed as the state’s next top bureaucrat. Both 1989-batch IAS officers are set to retire on August 31, 2025, with their 60th birthdays falling on August 11 and August 12, respectively.
Seniority and Possible Contenders
If Mr. Anurag Jain does not receive an extension, Dr. Tajesh Rajoura, a 1990-batch IAS officer, is the most senior among the in-service officers in Madhya Pradesh. Another potential candidate is Mr. Ashok Varnwal from the 1991 batch. However, if the central government intervenes, similar to past appointments, Mr. Pankaj Agrawal (1992-batch), who is currently on central deputation, might emerge as a surprise choice.
Central Government’s Role and Past Patterns
Given the Centre’s active involvement in key appointments across various states, bureaucratic circles believe that the final decision regarding the next Chief Secretary will be taken in consultation with the Central Government, and potentially at the very last moment — around 12 noon on August 31.
Dr. Rajesh Rajora and Alka Upadhyaya in Focus
Two names prominently discussed include Dr. Rajesh Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary and Vice President of the Narmada Valley Development Department, and Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, a 1990-batch IAS officer currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying at the Centre. Both officers are senior and considered strong contenders from an administrative standpoint.
Uncertainty Over Extension
Despite being in the final weeks of service, there’s still no clarity on whether Mr. Anurag Jain will receive an extension. Given the government’s unpredictable pattern in recent appointments, an extension cannot be ruled out entirely, nor can an unexpected replacement from outside the current pool in Madhya Pradesh.
Other Key Retirements
In parallel developments, Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Gupta is set to retire on July 31, after which a new appointment will be made. Mr. Anil Suchari, who retired in June, has already been appointed as Sagar Divisional Commissioner.
Final Decision by End of August
The new Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh will be announced by the end of August, most likely with the Centre’s nod. Whether the position will go to a senior in-state officer like Dr. Rajora or Ms. Upadhyaya, or an officer currently serving on central deputation, remains to be seen.
Given the unpredictability of recent bureaucratic decisions, the final choice may surprise observers — as it has in several states in the past.
Also Read: Two Retired IAS Officers Reappointed as Ex-Officio Secretaries in Andhra Pradesh
