Vyas set to get another term

JAMMU: Clearing decks for yet another extension for the incumbent B B Vyas, the Centre in a significant development, affected amendment to a rule, providing for a longer tenure to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that may allow a Vyas to hold the coveted post for as long as November 2019.

Vyas’s extended term as the top bureaucrat of the state was to expire on May 31. However, the change in All India Services Act, 1951 affected today has paved way for him to get another extended term-his third since November 2017 when he was scheduled to superannuate- ranging anywhere from six months to one year, especially in the ever-evolving situation in the volatile state.

Till the new rule came into force, the state chief secretary superannuated on attaining the age of 60. According to the new rule made by the Ministry of Personnel, an officer holding the post of chief secretary in Jammu and Kashmir may be given an extension of service, under exceptional circumstances, for a period beyond six months- the threshold limit for counterparts in other states and in J&K as well till yesterday.

“A Member of the Service holding the post of Chief Secretary to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir may be given extension of service, under exceptional circumstances, for a period beyond six months but the total term as Chief Secretary not exceeding three years and up to the age of sixty-two years, whichever is earlier, on the recommendations made by the State Government of Jammu & Kashmir, with full justification and in public interest, with the prior approval of the Central Government,” the DoPT order read.

The amendment may allow Vyas, who was due to superannuate in November last year but was given two extensions of three months each till this month-end, to remain the chief secretary till November next year.
Vyas, a 1986-batch IAS officer, took over as Chief Secretary on April 28, 2017, from B R Sharma who later proceeded on central deputation, even when there were two officers- KB Aggarwal and Pramod Jain- senior to him.

Before his retirement on November 30, 2017, he was given a 3-month extension on October 26, which had set up his retirement date on February 28, 2018, followed by another extension for three-month period from March 1 to May 31, 2018.

The state government is likely to make the official announcement for Vyas’s extension any time soon.
It is likely that Mehbooba Mufti-led cabinet may extend his services for one full year from June 1st, 2018 to May 31st, 2019, especially in the backdrop of the volatile situation in the state.

Vyas had served as the principal secretary to the Jammu and Kashmir Governor and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, besides holding various positions including the Principal Secretary (Finance).

In his long bureaucratic career, he had served at various key positions including that of DC Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Principal Secretary Finance and Financial Commissioner Planning.