In a key administrative move, the Central Government has approved a six-month extension for Dr. Manoj Pant, IAS (1991 batch), enabling him to continue as West Bengal’s Chief Secretary until December 31, 2025. Pant was originally set to retire on June 30.
The extension falls under Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, and follows a formal proposal sent by the West Bengal Government to the Centre on June 28. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) conveyed the approval through official communication to the Chief Minister’s office.
Political Strategy Ahead of Assembly Elections
The decision is being interpreted as a strategic move in light of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled for May 2026. Pant is considered one of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s most dependable administrators, known for his crisis-handling skills and steady leadership during critical situations—including the RG Kar medical case and teachers’ protests post-Supreme Court verdicts.
A senior IAS official remarked, “With elections approaching, the Chief Minister was keen to retain someone she trusts to navigate the months ahead.”
Continuity in Governance and Policy Execution
Government sources highlight Pant’s pivotal role in sustaining administrative momentum and overseeing key developmental initiatives. His continued leadership is seen as essential to ensure uninterrupted coordination between the state and the Centre.
A Pattern of Extensions in Bengal’s Bureaucracy
Pant is the third consecutive Chief Secretary to receive a tenure extension in West Bengal. His predecessors—Harikrishna Dwivedi and B.P. Gopalika—were granted extensions of six and three months respectively. There is already speculation that the state government may seek an additional extension as his current term nears completion.
Swift State-Centre Coordination
The proposal for extension was submitted just two days before Pant’s scheduled retirement, with the Centre’s nod arriving just hours ahead of his final working day. A senior bureaucrat emphasized, “The leadership prioritized continuity. Pant’s presence is crucial for steering intergovernmental affairs and pushing major initiatives until year-end.”
