The Hindu : Extension for J&K Chief Secy.?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 23, 2002

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National

Extension for J&K Chief Secy.?

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR OCT. 22. With the stalemate on government-formation continuing, the Jammu and Kashmir Governor, G.C. Saxena, is taking some crucial decisions to run his administration smoothly. This includes the extension in the services of the State Chief Secretary, I.S. Malhi, who is retiring this month-end.

The Governor "does not want to go into the selection for the top post in the Government at this juncture as the rules allow an extension of three months in an exigency,'' sources say. The Raj Bhavan is believed to have taken the view that the Chief Secretary's going would disturb the set-up when offices are moving to Jammu for the next six months. The matter has been taken up with New Delhi and orders are likely to be issued in the next couple of days.

Giving extension to Chief Secretary has a precedent in Kashmir. Ashok Jaitly, who till last week was the Principal Adviser to Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, retired as Chief Secretary in January this year. Though a year's extension was given to him by the State Government, it was struck down by the Centre. Later, Dr. Abdullah persuaded the Centre to get a three-month extension for Mr. Jaitly, his confidant.

The Governor's decision would put an end to the reported lobbying for the coveted post. Going by seniority, the senior-most Financial Commissioner, K.B. Pillai, of 1967 batch, who looks after Industries and Commerce, would have been the natural choice. He is being followed by another 1967 batch officer of J&K cadre and Financial Commissioner, Jalil Khan. However, the names of Wajahat Habibullah (1968) and Mohammad Shafi Pandit (1969) were also making the rounds. Another senior officer of the 1968 batch is Sudhir Billoeria presently Director, Enforcement, in the Government of India. However, between Mr. Pillai and Mr. Khan, the former would have the longest tenure till March 2004. In the event of a Congress-led Government coming to power, the selection of Mr. Habibullah, presently Director of the IAS Academy, Mussorie, was the probable choice given his proximity to the Gandhi family. However, Mr. Pandit being tipped for the post is also not being ruled out.

In the police hierarchy too changes are unlikely. The Director-General of Police, Ashok Suri, sources said, would continue and if a democratic government is formed he is unlikely to be disturbed in view of the crucial role police play in combating militancy. He is seen as a favourite of New Delhi too.

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