Rajasthan Seeks Return of 4 Senior IAS Officers From Centre; Rajeev Singh Thakur’s Repatriation Could Trigger Major Reshuffle
Rajasthan seeks repatriation of four senior IAS officers from Central deputation, including Rajeev Singh Thakur, as expectations rise for a major administrative reshuffle.
Jaipur: Rajasthan Government Seeks Return of Four Senior IAS Officers
The Rajasthan government has stepped up efforts to strengthen its senior administrative machinery by seeking the repatriation of four experienced IAS officers currently serving on Central deputation. Among the names is 1995-batch IAS officer Rajeev Singh Thakur, who is presently working as an Advisor in NITI Aayog and has spent nearly eight years serving under the Central Government.
The state has also requested the return of Prakash Rajpurohit, KK Pathak and Gaurav Goyal. The requests for all four officers are currently pending with the Centre, and no final decision on their repatriation has been taken so far. Their possible return could become important for Rajasthan as the state prepares for changes in several senior administrative positions and speculation grows around a long-awaited IAS transfer and posting exercise.
Rajeev Singh Thakur Has Been on Central Deputation Since 2017
Rajeev Singh Thakur, a 1995-batch IAS officer, has been serving on Central deputation since December 2017. His long stint at the Union level has given him considerable exposure to policy-making and senior administrative responsibilities, and he was appointed Advisor in NITI Aayog in February 2025.
Before taking up the Advisor’s role, Thakur had been promoted to the rank of Secretary in the Central Government and was subsequently appointed as an Advisor. His present tenure at NITI Aayog is scheduled to continue until December 3, 2026, while his date of retirement is June 2027. That makes his possible return to Rajasthan particularly relevant because the state would gain the services of a senior officer with extensive experience at both the state and Central levels.
Rajasthan Wants Prakash Rajpurohit, KK Pathak and Gaurav Goyal Back Too
The proposed repatriation is not limited to Thakur. Rajasthan has also approached the Centre for the return of three other senior IAS officers – Prakash Rajpurohit, KK Pathak and Gaurav Goyal.
Officials familiar with the developments indicate that requests concerning all four officers are still awaiting the Centre’s decision. Rajasthan has reportedly made repeated representations over the past year, but the Central Government has so far not relieved any of these officers to return to their state cadre.
If the requests are approved, Rajasthan could have a larger pool of experienced officers available for important assignments. That could give the state government greater room to reorganise departments, fill senior-level vacancies and redistribute portfolios that have been awaiting administrative changes.
Thakur’s Case Comes Against the Backdrop of Deputation Rules
The request for Thakur’s return also comes amid discussions surrounding the rules governing Central deputation and the applicable cooling-off provisions. According to officials familiar with the matter, following his elevation to the Secretary level and in view of the relevant provisions, his return to the Rajasthan cadre is no longer mandatory under the circumstances being discussed.
Even so, the Rajasthan government has specifically sought his repatriation. The move appears to underline the state’s requirement for experienced senior officers at a time when several administrative positions may need fresh arrangements.
With Thakur’s present Central assignment scheduled to continue until December 2026, the timing of his return will ultimately depend on the Centre’s decision. For Rajasthan, however, his availability could become an important factor in any forthcoming restructuring of the senior bureaucracy.
Long-Awaited Rajasthan IAS Reshuffle May Gather Pace
The repatriation requests have added to expectations that Rajasthan could soon undertake a wider IAS transfer and posting exercise. A number of departments are already being discussed in administrative circles for possible changes, while the state is also dealing with officers awaiting fresh assignments.
The possible return of senior officers from Central deputation could make such an exercise easier to manage. Instead of relying only on the existing pool of officers, the government could potentially use returning officers to take charge of important departments and create space for a wider redistribution of responsibilities.
The expected reshuffle has been awaited for some time, and several developments are now adding to the speculation surrounding its timing.
Rajasthan Administrative Tribunal Post Also Needs to Be Filled
Another issue that could influence the state’s administrative planning is the vacant post of Chairman of the Rajasthan Administrative Tribunal. The High Court has directed the Rajasthan government to fill the position, which has reportedly remained vacant for around four months.
The court has asked the state government to complete the appointment process within one week. The need to fill this senior position could also result in changes within the wider administrative setup, particularly if the government decides to make several senior-level appointments at the same time.
The tribunal appointment, therefore, has become another piece of the larger administrative puzzle facing Rajasthan.
Several Major Departments Could See Changes
Apart from the Rajasthan Administrative Tribunal, several key departments are believed to be awaiting administrative changes. These include Industries, Medical, Transport, Energy, Finance and the Public Health Engineering Department.
These are important areas of governance with significant policy, infrastructure, financial and public service responsibilities. Any changes in the leadership of these departments could have a wider impact on the state administration and may form part of a larger IAS reshuffle.
The possible availability of senior officers such as Thakur, Rajpurohit, Pathak and Goyal would give the government additional options while finalising such appointments.
Number of IAS Officers Awaiting Posting Orders Reaches 10
At the same time, Rajasthan’s list of IAS officers awaiting posting orders has continued to grow. With the recent addition of H Guite and Ambrish Kumar, the number of officers currently awaiting posting orders has reached 10.
The growing number of officers on the APO list is another factor fuelling expectations of an administrative exercise. A comprehensive transfer and posting order could potentially address several pending vacancies, redistribute existing responsibilities and accommodate officers who may return from Central deputation. For the government, such an exercise would also provide an opportunity to streamline the distribution of portfolios across departments.
Centre’s Decision Could Shape Rajasthan’s Next Administrative Setup
The Centre’s decision on the repatriation requests of Rajeev Singh Thakur, Prakash Rajpurohit, KK Pathak and Gaurav Goyal could have a direct bearing on Rajasthan’s next round of senior administrative appointments. With several departments reportedly awaiting changes, the Rajasthan Administrative Tribunal requiring a Chairman and 10 IAS officers currently awaiting posting orders, pressure is building for a broader administrative exercise.
For now, the four repatriation requests remain pending with the Central Government. If approved, their return would give Rajasthan access to four experienced senior officers at a time when the state is preparing for changes across several important areas of administration.
The coming weeks could therefore be significant for Rajasthan’s bureaucracy. A decision on the repatriation requests, combined with the High Court’s direction on the tribunal post and the growing APO list, could set the stage for a substantial IAS reshuffle across the state.
