New Delhi (23.08.2024): Just a week ahead of completion of the extended tenure, speculation is rife whether Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar (IAS: 1987: UT) would get extension or a fresh appointment would be made. The incumbent Delhi CS is completing his extended tenure on 31.08.2024.
A section of insiders believes that in view of Delhi Assembly elections likely in February 2025, Naresh Kumar may get another six-months’ extension for the simple reason that no one understands better than him the Kejriwal-led AAP government and the role of CS is very crucial for the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls. Still the puzzling question is if working under the consultative command of the new Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan (IAS: 1989: SK), who is two-batch junior to Kumar, would be well received or not. A section of insiders says that this does not apply in extension cases as many Union secretaries senior to HS are working under the same framework, so they don’t see this as a reason for not giving him extension.
What if Naresh Kumar doesn’t get extension? Certainly, it would call for a new CS in Delhi as a few chief secretaries of UTs are awaiting their turn to be in Delhi. Puneet Kumar Goel (IAS:1991: UT) has been in Goa since January 2022 as Chief Secretary. He is empanelled for holding Secretary-level post at Centre as well. Further, senior IAS officer Dharmendra (1989: UT) may be an ideal successor to Delhi CS Naresh Kumar. While working as NDMC Chairman Dharmendra moved to Arunachal Pradesh and succeeded Naresh Kumar as CS in June 2022. Dharmendra is also empanelled for holding Secretary-level post at Centre.
Some specific inputs and assessment of the politico-administrative scenario suggest another extended term for Naresh Kumar, but the suspense will last maximum for the next week when decision on this is taken.
