Jaipur, Nov 16, 2025: The Rajasthan government has appointed senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer V Srinivas as the new Chief Secretary of the state, according to an official order issued on Sunday. The decision comes following the relieving of outgoing Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, who is set to assume responsibilities at the central government.

The Department of Personnel issued the formal appointment order, confirming Srinivas’s return from central deputation to take charge of the highest bureaucratic position in Rajasthan. Srinivas, a 1989-batch IAS officer, was serving as Secretary in the Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare in the Union government. He was officially relieved by the Centre on November 14 to take up his new role in the state administration.

Srinivas is expected to serve as Rajasthan’s Chief Secretary until September 2026, when he is scheduled to retire. In addition to the Chief Secretary post, he has been given the additional responsibilities of Chairman of Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Ltd and Principal Resident Commissioner of Rajasthan in New Delhi. Officials indicate that his appointment is likely to trigger a significant administrative reshuffle across the state bureaucracy in the coming weeks.

Seniority and Career Trajectory

In the state’s IAS hierarchy, Srinivas has superseded only one officer in the seniority list, positioning him as the second-most senior IAS officer in Rajasthan after Subodh Agarwal of the 1988 batch. Agarwal, who currently serves as the Chairman of Rajasthan Financial Corporation, is set to retire in December. From that point onward, Srinivas will be the senior-most IAS officer in the state, assuming the mantle of guiding Rajasthan’s administrative machinery.

Srinivas has a long and diverse career in public administration, spanning over three decades. He began his IAS journey as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Bhilwara in 1989 and later served as SDO in Nimbahera. Between 1995 and 1998, he held the position of Director of the Watershed Development and Soil Conservation Department. His administrative experience also includes tenures as Collector of Pali and Jodhpur, where he managed complex developmental and governance challenges in two of Rajasthan’s key districts.

Central Deputation and International Exposure

A significant portion of Srinivas’s career has been spent on central deputation, reflecting his extensive experience in national-level administration. During the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s NDA government, Srinivas served as Private Secretary to then External Affairs and Finance Minister Jaswant Singh. He also worked internationally, holding the post of Technical Assistant to India’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C., gaining valuable exposure to global financial and policy frameworks.

His years at the Centre have seen him occupy senior positions, including his current role in the Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare, where he oversaw policies and administrative measures affecting millions of pensioners across India. This blend of field experience in Rajasthan and central administrative expertise positions Srinivas as a highly seasoned bureaucrat capable of managing the state’s governance challenges effectively.

Expectations and Administrative Implications

Observers suggest that Srinivas’s appointment could mark the beginning of a broader reshuffle within the Rajasthan bureaucracy. The new Chief Secretary will be expected to steer critical administrative initiatives, coordinate with political leadership, and oversee the implementation of key state policies. His role will also encompass ensuring smooth coordination between various departments, addressing developmental priorities, and monitoring governance performance across the state.

Srinivas’s additional responsibilities as Chairman of Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Ltd and Principal Resident Commissioner in New Delhi will require him to manage both state-level industrial oversight and liaison functions with the central government. These dual roles underscore the trust placed in him to manage Rajasthan’s strategic administrative, economic, and governance priorities.

Reputation and Administrative Style

Srinivas is widely recognized for his methodical approach to administration and policy implementation. Colleagues and officials who have worked with him describe him as a disciplined, approachable, and results-oriented officer. His experience in both field administration and central governance equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and nuances of public service.

Over his career, Srinivas has been credited with initiating programs in watershed management, rural development, and district administration that have left a lasting impact. His tenure at central deputation also reflects his ability to navigate complex bureaucratic and policy environments, making him well-suited to lead Rajasthan’s administration during a period that demands both experience and strategic oversight.

Looking Ahead

With Srinivas at the helm as Chief Secretary, Rajasthan’s government anticipates strengthened administrative coordination and a renewed focus on governance reforms. The upcoming months are expected to witness significant policy drives and administrative restructuring aimed at enhancing service delivery, improving efficiency, and addressing developmental priorities across the state.

As the state gears up for Srinivas’s leadership, the Rajasthan administration and political stakeholders are watching closely, hopeful that his blend of field and central experience will translate into effective governance and better outcomes for the citizens of the state.