The state's top bureaucracy found its way to appoint three more additional chief secretaries in the cadre.
The 1995-batch IAS officers – Rajeev Singh Thakur, Ashwini Bhagat and Kunji Lal Meena – who were left out from promotion list a month back – have now finally been promoted as additional chief secretary joining the ranks with their batchmates Praveen Gupta and Bhaskar Sawant, who received the ‘glory' in time on January 1, 2025.
The state government earlier had reasoned that the all cadre and ex-cadre posts are occupied and there is no room for the three of officers till the retirement of officers already in the rank of additional chief secretary.
“Promotions have come as pleasant surprise for these three officers,” said a senior IAS officer.
Rajeev Singh Thakur, who is on central deputation and has recently been appointed as advisor in Niti Aayog for a period of one year beyond 3.12.2024, has received proforma promotion while Ashwini Bhagat has been elevated to additional chief secretary in his existing minority affairs department.
Kunji Lal Meena will continue to serve as chairman, Indira Gandhi Canal Board in the chief secretary pay matrix of Level 17.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
