Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba gets one-year extension

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has been officially granted a one-year extension by the Central government, making him the longest-serving cabinet secretary in India’s history. The decision was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). This extension comes as a result of the relaxation of important rules, allowing him to continue in his position beyond August 30, 2023.

The Rules of Extension

• The Central government has the authority to grant an extension in service to the cabinet secretary in the public interest. However, this extension cannot exceed four years in total.
• By relaxing the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, and Rule 56(d) of the Fundamental Rules, Rajiv Gauba’s extension has been made possible.

Rajiv Gauba: The Longest-Serving Cabinet Secretary in India’s Bureaucratic History

• Rajiv Gauba is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1982 batch who assumed the position of Cabinet Secretary in 2019.
• Initially appointed for a two-year tenure, he has now received extensions twice, first in 2021 and now, beyond August 2023.
• With this latest extension, his tenure will surpass that of BD Pande, who held the position from November 2, 1972, to March 31, 1977, making Rajiv Gauba the longest-serving cabinet secretary in India’s bureaucratic history.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Chairperson of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet: Narendra Modi

Find More Appointments Here