With extension, Rajiv Gauba set to become longest-serving Cabinet Secretary

With extension, Rajiv Gauba set to become longest-serving Cabinet Secretary

Subject: Polity

Section: Executive

Context:

This is his third extension and by the end of this stint, he would be the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary (five years). His predecessor, Pradeep Kumar Sinha, served four years and 79 days, while the second Cabinet Secretary of independent India, YN Sukthankar, was in the post for four years years and 78 days.

Normally, a CS can be given an extension beyond the fixed tenure of two years for another two years, but in two tranches. During Sinha’s tenure, the rule was amended to extend it beyond four years, and he was given an extension for three months. Now, again, the rule has been relaxed.

What is the maximum tenure?

• According to All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, the Central government may, if it considers necessary in the public interest to do so, give an extension in service to the incumbents of the posts of the Cabinet Secretary; Defence Secretary; Home Secretary; Director, Intelligence Bureau; Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing; and Director, Central Bureau of Investigation, for such period as it may deem proper.
• However, the total term of the CS, who is granted such extensions of service, shall not exceed four years. The Fourth Proviso of Rule 56 (D) of the Fundamental Rules also prescribes a total term of four years for the CS.
• As per the modified rules, the central government may give an extension in servicefor a further period not exceeding three months, beyond the period of four years to a cabinet secretary.
• The ACC is headed by the Prime Minister and such an order does not mention a reason for the extension. However, it is believed that the present government is entering the election phase and wants status quo in the top bureaucracy to ensure continuity.

Cabinet Secretary

• The Cabinet Secretary is the top-most executive official and senior-most civil servant of the Government of India.

Cabinet Secretary

• is the ex-officio head of the Civil Services Board, the Cabinet Secretariat, the IAS, and all civil services under the rules of business of the government.
• ranks eleventh on the Indian order of precedence.
• is under the direct charge of the PM and is appointed for a fixed tenure of two years.
• The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Transaction of Business and the Allocation of Business Rules 1961.

Functions

• Ca facilitates smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments of the Government.

This Secretariat provides:

• Secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and its Committees
• Assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-Ministerial coordination ,
• Ironing out differences amongst Ministries/ Departments
• Evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing/ adhoc Committees of Secretaries