The suspense surrounding Chhattisgarh’s next Chief Secretary will all likely end on Monday as current Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain officially superannuates. Jain will be accorded a farewell in the cabinet meeting scheduled at Mantralaya, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Monday, where his successor may also be welcomed. Five Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers are reportedly in contention for the top administrative post Renu Gonela Pillay, Subrat Sahoo, Amit Agrawal, Richa Sharma, and Manoj Kumar Pingua. Renu G Pillay (1991 Batch IAS), the senior most officer among the contenders, is widely considered the frontrunner. She is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, with additional charges as Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board and Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education. Known for her honesty, strictness, and punctuality, Pillay is a strong candidate for a Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai-led Government prioritising women’s empowerment and good governance.

 

If appointed, she would make history as Chhattisgarh’s first female Chief Secretary. Subrat Sahoo (1992 Batch IAS) is the second-most senior officer. Sahoo is also a strong contender. He previously served as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister during the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government. He is presently the Additional Chief Secretary of Religious Trusts and Endowments, holding additional charges as Director of the Chhattisgarh Administration Academy and Additional Chief Secretary of the Cooperative Department. Amit Agrawal (1993 Batch IAS) is currently on central deputation since December 22, 2016. Agrawal is the Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Known for his distinct working style, he could return to the state if appointed Chief Secretary.

 

Richa Sharma (1994 Batch IAS) is the fourth-most senior IAS officer in the State. Sharma holds the position of Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. Manoj Kumar Pingua (1994 Batch IAS), is another strong contender. Pingua is currently posted as Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Jail Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. As a tribal IAS officer, his appointment would be significant if the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government chooses to appoint an officer from the tribal community to the top post. However, such a decision would mean superseding three senior IAS officers – Renu G Pillay, Subrat Sahoo, and Richa Sharma – which could pose challenges to state administration given the existing shortage of IAS officers. The final decision rests with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who is keen to have his chosen candidate in such a crucial administrative role. There is also speculation about a potential six-month extension for current Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, pending approval from the Central government. Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Mantralayin Karmachari Sangh (CMKS) will organize a farewell party for outgoing Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain at Mantralaya following the cabinet meeting. Amitabh Jain, who assumed charge as Chief Secretary on November 30, 2020, has accepted the invitation effectively quashing any lingering rumours of a