Haryana Government Functions Without Chief Secretary for Eight Consecutive Days
The Haryana government finds itself in an unprecedented administrative situation. For eight straight days, the state has operated without a Chief Secretary. This unusual circumstance follows major heart surgery for the incumbent Chief Secretary, Anurag Rastogi.
Health Emergency Leads to Administrative Vacuum
Anurag Rastogi experienced a cardiac issue and required urgent medical attention. Doctors rushed him to a private hospital where he underwent an unscheduled bypass heart surgery on January 9. Medical professionals have advised complete bed rest for eight weeks to ensure proper recovery.
Senior officials expect Rastogi to be discharged from the hospital by Monday. After discharge, he will continue his recovery at home with strict bed rest. Some sources close to the situation suggest he might resume limited work from a camp office at his residence within two weeks.
Government Fails to Make Interim Appointment
The Nayab Saini government has not appointed an interim Chief Secretary during Rastogi's medical leave. This lack of action creates significant confusion about administrative leadership. Officials from the Chief Minister's Office administrative and media wing have declined to comment on the record about this developing situation.
This administrative gap raises serious questions about government decision-making processes. Without a designated Chief Secretary, uncertainty surrounds who authorizes important government orders and files.
Critical Decisions Face Authorization Questions
The absence of a Chief Secretary has directly impacted two major government decisions. Authorities recently increased the upper income limit for the non-creamy layer category from six lakh rupees to eight lakh rupees. The government also approved new scholarship programs.
Observers now question who signed off on these significant policy changes since January 9. The Chief Secretary position lacks a designated link officer, creating further confusion about approval authorities for government orders.
Legal and Administrative Concerns Mount
Hemant, an advocate and activist, has raised formal concerns about this administrative vacuum. He communicated directly with both the Chief Minister and the Governor about the situation. "This presents a major issue," Hemant stated. "What prevents the government from appointing a Chief Secretary while the current officer is on medical leave?"
This is not the first time Haryana has faced unusual administrative arrangements. Previously, TVSN Prasad served as officiating Chief Secretary for four months when then-Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal proceeded on leave. Anurag Rastogi himself briefly served as officiating Chief Secretary for just three days before assuming the permanent role.
Additional Departmental Challenges Emerge
The administrative complications extend beyond the Chief Secretary position. The government also faces challenges with the finance and planning department charge. Normally, the Additional Chief Secretary for excise and taxation would assume this link charge.
However, the current officer heading the excise department holds a relatively junior position. This creates additional complications for proper departmental oversight and decision-making during this period of administrative uncertainty.
The Haryana government continues to function without clear administrative leadership as Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi focuses on his recovery from major heart surgery.
