In a landmark decision, the Government of Chhattisgarh, with the approval of the Central Government, has extended the tenure of senior IAS officer Amitabh Jain. A 1989-batch officer, Jain was originally scheduled for retirement on June 30, 2025. He will now continue to serve as Chief Secretary until September 30, 2025 — becoming the first individual in the state’s history to receive an extension in this top bureaucratic role since Chhattisgarh’s inception in 2000.
Unexpected Continuation Amid Leadership Speculation
The extension, confirmed during a state cabinet meeting held on Monday, defied expectations of a leadership transition. Prior to the meeting, speculation was rife regarding Jain’s successor, with IAS officers Subrat Sahu (1992 batch), Amit Agarwal (1993 batch), and Manoj Pingua (1994 batch) considered leading contenders. However, the Centre’s last-minute nod reshaped the narrative, leaving the administrative community surprised.
A Career Marked by Excellence and Service
Born on June 21, 1965, in Dallirajhara (Balod district), Jain holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bhopal and a Master’s in Systems Management from IIT Delhi. Joining the IAS in 1989, he began as Assistant Collector in Jabalpur, and has since held influential posts across districts like Neemuch, Gwalior, Surguja, Raigarh, and Hoshangabad. Post bifurcation, he opted for the Chhattisgarh cadre and notably served twice as Collector of Raipur.
His leadership trajectory includes prominent roles as Secretary, Principal Secretary, and Additional Chief Secretary across vital departments — including Finance, Forest, Home Affairs, Commerce, and Public Relations. His tenure at the Centre spanned seven years, including positions in the Ministry of Commerce and the Indian High Commission in London, where he supported India-UK trade diplomacy.
In 2024, Jain was also entrusted with additional responsibilities as Vice Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Policy Commission, further cementing his role in strategic governance.
Extension Viewed as Stabilizing Measure
Serving as Chief Secretary since November 30, 2020, Jain has been instrumental in steering key development and policy reforms. The recent extension is widely seen as a bid to preserve continuity and provide experienced leadership during a phase of extensive administrative transformation in the state.
