Jaipur: Centre has granted a six-month extension to Rajasthan Chief Secretary V Srinivas, allowing the 1989-batch IAS officer to continue in the post until Feb 28, 2027. Srinivas was due to retire on Aug 31.The extension was approved by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions after Rajasthan govt sent a formal proposal on July 23. Centre has now communicated its approval to state govt.State govt had initially recommended a one-year extension for Srinivas, citing the need for administrative continuity at a time when Rajasthan is preparing for local body elections and is working on the implementation of major investment proposals.Srinivas took over as CS on Nov 17, 2025, after serving on central deputation. His extension is also expected to provide continuity in the implementation of investment proposals worth around Rs 35 lakh crore announced during Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit.Govt has also been relying on Srinivas for coordination with Centre, particularly in the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. His extension comes amid preparations for the upcoming urban local body elections and the ongoing administrative exercise related to them.The move also puts to rest, for the time being, speculation over the next chief secretary of the state.Extension of service to a serving chief secretary is not unprecedented in Rajasthan. In 2023, then Congress govt had secured a six-month extension for Chief Secretary Usha Sharma from Centre. Sharma was due to retire in June 2023 but continued in office following the extension.With the latest decision, Srinivas will now continue as CS through the upcoming local body election process and into the next financial year.
