Rajneesh Goel, a 1986 batch IAS will be the next chief secretary of Karnataka. He will replace Vandita Sharma who retires on November 30. Sharma was the fourth woman chief secretary of Karnataka who took over in May 2022.
Goel, 59, will have eight months long tenure before his superannuation in July 2024. He is currently the additional chief secretary to the chief minister. He also handles home department.
Goel, who is native of Haryana, is a mechanical engineer with a PhD in public administration. Being ACS to chief minister Siddaramaiah Goel was the natural choice for the top post. He piped additional chief secretary UDH Rakesh Singh who was the closest contender vying for this this post. Among other contenders included included V Manjula, Ajay Seth, Jawaid Akhtar, LK Atheeq, Uma Mahadevan and Gaurav Gupta.
Goel's wife Shailni Rajneesh is also an IAS officer of 1989 batch – three batch junior to Goel. She is currently posted as additional chief secretary-cum-development commissioner. There are great chances of her becoming chief secretary too. If she becomes, they will be the next power couple to get a shot at the top post after the legendary Bipul Bhattacharya and Teresa Bhattacharya, both of whom were chief secretaries two decades ago.
Goel has 37 years long illustrious career in which he has held several positions including higher education, women & child development and sports. He was also on central deputation for several years in finance and textile ministries.
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