Lobbying already on for next chief secy
Rajesh Kumar
is yet to become firm in the saddle and hectic lobbying is already on in the bureaucracy since he is retiring on Aug 31.
In the corridors of power, it was believed that CM
Devendra Fadnavis
would not appoint Kumar as the CS for two months.
But he was appointed based on seniority and the CM felt it would be wrong to supersede him.
The bureaucrats next in line are Rajesh Agarwal (who retires on Nov 12), I S Chahal (Jan 31, 2026), Bhushan Gagrani (March 31, 2026), Anil Diggikar (Jan 31, 2026), Deepak Kapoor (April 30, 2026), O P Gupta (Aug 31, 2026) and Manisha Patankar (March 31, 2029).
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If Patankar is chosen next, then there would be relief for the CM for at least three years but he would have to let her leapfrog seniors.
Senior bureaucrats felt the CM should appoint a bureaucrat who has at least one year of service to ensure stability in administration.
Most chief secretaries in the recent past have had a tenure of three months to one year, but their performance was average and a majority were not able to bring new concepts in administration. Also, given their short duration, their focus was on a new job after retirement.
In most states, the CS has a tenure of at least a year.
Even in the central govt, home, finance and defence secretaries have a fixed tenure of two years. The Fadnavis govt followed this policy in the DGP's case and the home affairs ministry issued a special order on a fixed tenure for Rashmi Shukla, who was due to retire.
Another feather in cap
Renowned couturier Madhav Agasti was recently conferred with the prestigious Bharat Gaurav award in British parliament. Agasti (75) has tailored garments for former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Ram Nath Kovind when they were in office, leading politicians from Maharashtra and other states, including Fadnavis, film personalities and social workers.
Agasti, widely respected for his craftsmanship, has left a mark in Bollywood—he designed the iconic costume for Mogambo in 'Mr India' and curated uber cool looks in a popular Hindi film.
Many leading politicians stitched clothes from Agasti, but when they abandoned him, luck did not favour them. Agasti comes from a humble background with no formal education in fashion. He said the award is not just a personal achievement but also a tribute to the timeless skill of the countless artisans who have kept traditions alive.
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