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India's highest bureaucratic post, that of Cabinet Secretary, is set to witness a change in leadership as the incumbent, Rajiv Gauba, is due to retire in August. This has sparked speculation about who will succeed him, with three officers from the 1987 batch emerging as potential candidates.
Leading the pack is TV Somanathan, the current Finance Secretary. A career finance professional, Somanathan has held various key positions in the Finance Ministry, including Secretary in the Department of Expenditure. His financial acumen is highly respected, as evidenced by the World Bank's request to extend his lien beyond the stipulated time.
Another contender is Raj Kumar, the Chief Secretary of Gujarat. Kumar has a strong track record in central deputation, having served as Secretary, Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence. He is known for his no-nonsense approach and is said to enjoy the trust of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The third officer in the race is Vini Mahajan, who holds the distinction of being the first woman Cabinet Secretary if appointed. Mahajan has extensive experience in the workings of the Prime Minister's Office, having served in the Manmohan Singh PMO. She is also the daughter of a former Chief Secretary of Punjab.
All three candidates are first-attempt IAS officers, the youngest of their batch, and two of them have served as Chief Secretaries. They are also known for their integrity and clean records.
The Prime Minister's choice for Cabinet Secretary will be closely watched, as it will have a significant impact on the functioning of the government. The successful candidate will be tasked with leading the bureaucracy and ensuring its smooth operation.
The appointment of a new Cabinet Secretary is a crucial moment in Indian politics and administration. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future.