Facing a mounting shortfall in its bureaucratic ranks, the Rajasthan government has formally asked the Centre to release two senior IAS officers—Rohit Kumar and Siddharth Mahajan—from central postings to help fill critical vacancies and restore administrative balance.
Cadre Deficit Prompts Urgent Appeal
Out of the 332 IAS positions sanctioned for Rajasthan, only 280 are currently occupied, leaving a significant gap in governance capacity. To address this, the state has submitted an official request for the repatriation of Rohit Kumar, who serves as Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, and Siddharth Mahajan, posted as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Why These Officers Matter
Both officers belong to the Rajasthan cadre and hold influential roles at the national level. Their return is seen as essential to ease the burden on existing staff and ensure continuity in key administrative functions. The state argues that the growing workload and upcoming retirements make their presence vital.
Additionally, IAS officer PC Kishan has reportedly sought reassignment to Rajasthan for personal reasons, suggesting a possible trend of officers opting to return to their home cadre.
Deputation Dynamics and Cadre Pressure
Currently, 23 IAS officers from Rajasthan are serving on central deputation, with one more posted in another state. This has intensified the staffing crunch, as each officer away from the state reduces its capacity to implement policies and manage development programs effectively.
Impact on Governance and Key Appointments
The shortage is being felt across departments, with some roles remaining vacant for extended periods. One such position is Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, which became vacant after Alok Gupta’s transfer. Sources indicate that one of the recalled officers may be considered for this role.
The state has been informed that four IAS officers will be promoted and posted after Diwali, and 20 new candidates are currently under review by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Policy Framework and Limitations
While Rajasthan can request the return of its officers, the final decision rests with the central government under existing deputation rules. The appeal is a procedural step, not a guarantee of immediate action.
This situation also reflects a broader challenge faced by many states: balancing cadre strength while central assignments remain attractive for officers seeking national exposure and career advancement.
Next Steps and Possible Outcomes
The Centre will evaluate the request based on factors such as the officers’ current responsibilities, tenure, and the urgency of the state’s need. If approved, their return could help stabilize Rajasthan’s administrative machinery ahead of upcoming projects and policy rollouts.
The state will also assess how the incoming officers and UPSC recruits contribute to restoring cadre strength. This episode may prompt a wider review of deputation policies to ensure equitable distribution of officers between state and central roles.
