Mumbai: Senior IAS officer Rajesh Aggarwal is expected to take charge as Maharashtra’s next chief secretary, following the Centre’s approval for his repatriation to the state cadre. His appointment comes at a critical time, with local and civic body elections approaching.

The current chief secretary, Rajesh Kumar, will retire at the end of next month after completing a three-month extension granted by the Central government. Aggarwal’s return to Maharashtra has been cleared at a time when IS Chahal is also in contention for the post on the basis of seniority.

Aggarwal, a 1989-batch officer, is likely to serve a one-year tenure until November 2026 if appointed. His appointment would mean that six senior IAS officers — IS Chahal, Anil Diggikar, Bhushan Gagrani, Meeta Lochan, Deepak Kapoor and OP Gupta — would miss out on the top post. Except for Lochan, who is currently on central deputation, the others are serving in key positions within the state administration. Chahal is Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Diggikar is Additional Chief Secretary (Food and Civil Supplies), Gagrani is the BMC Commissioner, Kapoor heads the Water Resources Department, and Gupta is Additional Chief Secretary (Finance).

Aggarwal has been on central deputation since January 2015, having served as joint secretary in multiple ministries. His expected return marks a homecoming after nearly a decade in central roles, positioning him to steer the state bureaucracy through an eventful administrative phase.

BI Bureau