As the retirement date of Chief Secretary Anurag Jain and Additional Chief Secretary J.N. Kansotia approaches, the race to appoint Madhya Pradesh’s next top bureaucrat is gaining momentum. Both 1989-batch IAS officers are set to retire on August 31, 2025, with their 60th birthdays falling on August 11 and 12, respectively.
Seniority and Leading Contenders
In the absence of an extension for Mr. Anurag Jain, the senior-most serving IAS officer in the state is Dr. Tajesh Rajora, a 1990-batch officer, making him a natural frontrunner for the post. Another key name in contention is Mr. Ashok Varnwal from the 1991 batch. However, if the Central Government decides to influence the selection—consistent with recent precedents—then Mr. Pankaj Agrawal (1992 batch), currently on central deputation, could emerge as an unexpected choice.
Central Government’s Role: Key to Final Call
Given the Centre’s increasing involvement in senior-level appointments across states, many believe that the final decision on Madhya Pradesh’s next Chief Secretary will be made in consultation with the Centre, possibly at the last minute—with some predicting a decision as late as noon on August 31.
Spotlight on Dr. Rajesh Rajora and Alka Upadhyaya
Two other senior names under active consideration are:
-Dr. Rajesh Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary and Vice President of the Narmada Valley Development Department
-Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, a 1990-batch IAS officer currently serving as Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India
Both are viewed as competent and experienced administrators with strong credentials.
Extension Uncertainty
Despite only weeks remaining in service, no official word has come regarding a possible extension for Mr. Anurag Jain. Given the government’s recent unpredictable decisions in senior appointments, both an extension and a surprise appointment from outside the current state cadre remain distinct possibilities.
Other Notable Retirements
Adding to the reshuffle, Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Sanjay Gupta is scheduled to retire on July 31, after which a new appointment will be made. Earlier in June, Anil Suchari was appointed as the Divisional Commissioner of Sagar following his own retirement.
Final Announcement Expected by Month-End
The name of the next Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh is expected to be announced by the end of August, likely with the Centre’s approval. Whether the role will go to an in-service officer from within the state like Dr. Rajora or Ms. Upadhyaya, or someone currently on central deputation like Mr. Pankaj Agrawal, remains to be seen.
Given recent patterns of bureaucratic appointments across India, a last-minute twist or surprise candidate cannot be ruled out.
