Anurag Rastogi Returns as Haryana Chief Secretary Amid Seniority Dispute

Anurag Rastogi, a 1990-batch IAS officer, has taken charge as Haryana's Chief Secretary, marking his second appointment to the top bureaucratic position in the state in recent months. Beyond his role as Chief Secretary, he will head crucial departments including General Administration, Human Resources, Personnel & Training, Parliamentary Affairs, and Vigilance. Notably, he has also been assigned the additional charge of Finance and Planning Department, a strategic move ahead of the state budget presentation next month. 

The Seniority Controversy 

The appointment has started discussion in administrative circles as it skipped two senior officers from the same batch - Sudhir Rajpal and Sumita Mishra. This decision comes amid an unresolved seniority dispute within the 1990 batch, where Rastogi, along with two other officers, had challenged the seniority status. The controversy adds a layer as this appears to be a politically influenced appointment. 

Administrative Experience and Political Trust

Rastogi's track record includes significant positions such as Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram and Panipat during the INLD government, Director of Town and Country Planning under Congress rule, and various key portfolios during the BJP's tenure. His close association with former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and reputation for maintaining neutrality have contributed to his continued prominence in state administration.

Rastogi's tenure is set to end in June 2025, attention is already turning to the succession plan for Haryana's top administrative post.  His appointment follows the voluntary retirement of former Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi, who left to become an Election Commissioner.