Jaipur: The Central Government has granted a six-month extension to Rajasthan Chief Secretary V Srinivas (IAS:1989:RJ), allowing him to continue in the state’s top bureaucratic post until February 28, 2027.
Mr Srinivas, who was originally scheduled to retire on August 31, 2026, will now remain Chief Secretary through the upcoming urban local body election process and into the next financial year.
The extension was approved by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions following a formal proposal from the Rajasthan government. The Centre has communicated its approval to the state government.
Rajasthan Government Had Sought One-Year Extension
The Rajasthan government had sent its proposal to the Centre on July 23, seeking an extension for Srinivas.
The state had initially recommended a one-year extension, citing the need for administrative continuity at a crucial stage for Rajasthan, particularly with urban local body elections approaching and several major investment proposals under implementation.
The Centre, however, has approved a six-month extension, meaning Srinivas will now continue as Chief Secretary until February 28, 2027.
The decision also puts, at least temporarily, speculation over who would succeed Srinivas as Rajasthan Chief Secretary to rest.
Extension to Ensure Continuity During Local Body Elections
Mr Srinivas’s continuation is significant as Rajasthan is preparing for the upcoming urban local body elections and the administrative machinery is engaged in preparations related to the electoral exercise.
His extension will ensure continuity at the highest level of the state administration during the election process.
The government is also relying on his experience in coordinating with the Union Government, particularly on the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and other Centre-state programmes.
His extended tenure is therefore expected to provide administrative continuity during a period involving both electoral preparations and major policy and development initiatives.
Continuity for Rs 35 Lakh Crore Investment Proposals
Another major factor behind the extension is expected to be the implementation of investment proposals announced during the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit.
Investment proposals worth around Rs 35 lakh crore were announced during the summit, and the state administration is working on their implementation and facilitation.
IAS Srinivas’s continuation as Chief Secretary is expected to provide continuity to the administrative coordination required for taking these proposals forward.
With the Chief Secretary continuing in office, the state will retain continuity in monitoring and coordinating the implementation of these large-scale investment commitments.
V Srinivas Took Charge as Chief Secretary in November 2025
Mr Srinivas assumed charge as Chief Secretary of Rajasthan on November 17, 2025, succeeding Sudhansh Pant, who moved to central deputation during his tenure.
Before returning to Rajasthan, Srinivas had spent around seven years on central deputation.
Prior to his appointment as Chief Secretary, he served as Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and Secretary, Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare at the Centre.
His experience at the Union level has also been significant in the context of Rajasthan’s coordination with the Central Government.
Who is V Srinivas?
Voruganti Srinivas (V Srinivas) is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre. Born on September 1, 1966, he has had a career spanning more than three decades across both the Rajasthan government and the Government of India.
He joined the IAS at a young age after completing his technical education. He holds B.Tech and M.Tech degrees in Chemical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad.
Over his career, Srinivas has handled important assignments in the state as well as at the Centre, with substantial experience in administrative reforms, digital governance, public grievance redressal and institutional administration.
Seven Years on Central Deputation
IAS Srinivas spent approximately seven years on central deputation before returning to Rajasthan to take over as Chief Secretary.
As Secretary in the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, he was associated with initiatives aimed at improving digital governance, public grievance redressal and administrative efficiency.
His central experience also included responsibilities in the Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare.
Earlier, he served as Advisor to the Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., from 2003 to 2006.
He has also represented India at international forums, including SAARC and Commonwealth-related platforms.
Experience in Rajasthan and Key Government Assignments
Srinivas’s career has included several important assignments in both the state and central governments.
Among the key positions held by him are Chairman, Board of Revenue, Ajmer; Director General, National Archives of India; and Deputy Director of Administration at AIIMS, New Delhi.
His career has therefore covered areas ranging from state administration and revenue to healthcare administration, archival management, administrative reforms and public grievance systems.
First Indian to Head IIAS
He has also achieved international recognition in the field of public administration.
He was elected President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), Brussels, for the 2025–2028 term, becoming the first Indian to hold the position.
The IIAS is an international organisation focused on public administration and administrative sciences.
His election to the post was regarded as a significant recognition of India’s contribution to the field of public administration.
Awards and Recognition
He has received recognition for his contributions to administration and digital governance.
Among the honours associated with his career are the Digital India Award, linked to his work in advancing the e-Office transition across Union ministries, and the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar, which he received in consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.
He has also received the AIIMS Leadership Excellence Award for his administrative contribution during his tenure at the premier medical institution.
Connection with Former PM P V Narasimha Rao
Mr Srinivas is also related to former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao through marriage. His wife is the granddaughter of the former Prime Minister.
During his early central career, Srinivas also served as Private Secretary to Jaswant Singh, who held the External Affairs and Finance portfolios during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government.
He subsequently served at the IMF in Washington.
Rajasthan Has Earlier Given Extensions to Chief Secretaries
Extension of service to a serving Chief Secretary is not unprecedented in Rajasthan.
During the previous Congress government, then Chief Secretary Usha Sharma (IAS:1985:RJ) was granted a six-month extension by the Centre.
Ms Sharma had assumed charge as Rajasthan Chief Secretary on January 31, 2022, and was originally due to retire on June 30, 2023. Following the extension, she continued in office until December 31, 2023.
Another example is C. S. Rajan, who served as Chief Secretary during the tenure of the Vasundhara Raje government.
Mr Rajan assumed charge as Chief Secretary on November 1, 2014 and was initially scheduled to retire on December 31, 2015.
The Centre granted him an extension shortly before his scheduled retirement. His first extension continued until March 31, 2016, followed by another extension that allowed him to remain Chief Secretary until June 30, 2016.
Thus, Srinivas’s extension is part of an established precedent in Rajasthan where continuity at the level of Chief Secretary has previously been maintained through central approval.
Srinivas to Continue Through Key Administrative Phase
With the latest decision, IAS Srinivas will continue as Rajasthan Chief Secretary until February 28, 2027.
His extended tenure will cover the upcoming urban local body election process, implementation of major investment proposals and the state’s ongoing coordination with the Centre on Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
The extension also provides the Rajasthan administration with continuity at the top bureaucratic level as the state moves into the next financial year and works on several major governance and development priorities.
