New Delhi: Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, V. Srinivas, has been confirmed as the next Chief Secretary of Rajasthan. The Central Government has officially returned his services to the Rajasthan State Government, paving the way for his appointment. Srinivas, who is currently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms, Public Grievances, and Pensioners’ Welfare at the Centre, is set to assume the top administrative role in Rajasthan following the departure of the current Chief Secretary, Sudhansh Pant, who will retire on November 30, 2025.
Central Government’s Role in Srinivas’ Appointment
The Rajasthan State Government had sent a proposal to the Central Government for Srinivas’ appointment, which was approved on November 14, 2025. Following this approval, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued orders relieving him of his current duties, thus allowing the state government to formally appoint him as Chief Secretary at their discretion.
With the retirement of Sudhansh Pant approaching, the process for appointing a new Chief Secretary has been expedited, ensuring a seamless transition in the state’s administrative leadership.
A Senior and Experienced Bureaucrat
V. Srinivas, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, is the most senior IAS officer in the state after Subodh Agarwal. Following the retirement of Agarwal, Srinivas will hold the highest position in the state’s bureaucracy. While he is set to serve as Chief Secretary for a relatively short tenure of 10 months (until his retirement in September 2026), there is a possibility of an extension. If the central government grants extensions, Srinivas could continue in the role for up to two additional six-month periods.
Srinivas’ Distinguished Career
Srinivas has built a stellar reputation for his integrity, diligence, and administrative efficiency over his 35 years of service. After joining the IAS in 1989, he quickly rose through the ranks, holding several key positions in both state and central government.
He began his career as the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Bhilwara and later served as the Collector of Pali and Jodhpur. His experience spans a wide array of responsibilities, including serving as the Director of the Watershed Development and Soil Conservation Department and the Deputy Secretary in the Finance Department. He has also had extensive exposure to central deputation roles, having served in prominent positions with the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Culture, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C.
For over 17 years of his career, Srinivas worked on central deputation, gaining critical exposure to high-level governance and public policy. He has served as the Private Secretary to former Finance Minister Jaswant Singh and worked with the Executive Director at the IMF, which has given him a unique international perspective on economic and financial matters.
Notable Contributions and Positions
Srinivas has held several prestigious roles, such as:
- Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
- Secretary, Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare
- Secretary, Development of North Eastern Region
- Chairman, Rajasthan Tax Board
Director General, National Centre for Good Governance
Throughout his career, Srinivas has been recognized for his efficient handling of administrative reforms, particularly in the fields of public grievances and pensioners’ welfare. He is also known for his efforts in governance reforms, streamlining operations, and improving service delivery.
Family and Background
V. Srinivas hails from Andhra Pradesh and is 59 years old as of 2025. He is married to the granddaughter of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, linking him to one of India’s most respected political families. A well-educated individual, Srinivas holds both a B.Tech and M.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad. His strong technical background has served him well in navigating complex governance and administrative tasks throughout his career.
What’s Next for V. Srinivas?
As V. Srinivas prepares to take over as Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, his tenure will be closely watched. While his time in the role may be short, his wealth of experience in both state and central government positions equips him well for the challenges ahead. Should he be appointed, his leadership will be instrumental in ensuring continuity and efficiency in the state’s administration during a crucial transition period.
Given his long-standing reputation for integrity and effective governance, Srinivas is expected to lead Rajasthan’s bureaucratic apparatus with the same diligence and commitment that has marked his career to date.
