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Key Points

The West Bengal government has secured a six-month extension for Manoj Pant as Chief Secretary after Union approval. Pant, a 1999-batch IAS officer, replaced BP Gopalika, whose extension was rejected. He took charge during a turbulent period marked by controversies. His tenure will now continue until December 31.

Key Points: Manoj Pant Gets 6-Month Extension as West Bengal Chief Secretary

  • Manoj Pant's term extended till December 31
  • Replaces BP Gopalika after Union govt denied his extension
  • 1999-batch IAS officer with key state roles
  • Took charge during political and administrative challenges
2 min read

Manoj Pant gets 6-month extension as West Bengal Chief Secretary

West Bengal extends Manoj Pant's tenure as Chief Secretary for six months with Union govt approval, replacing BP Gopalika.

"The state government’s proposal for Pant’s extension for another six months was approved. – Department of Personnel & Training"

Kolkata, June 30

The West Bengal government, on Monday, announced the extension of Manoj Pant as the Chief Secretary for another six months following approval from the Union government.

Pant was supposed to retire from his service on Monday (June 30).

The state government seeking to retain him in that chair for another six months already sought approval on this count from the Union government a few days back.

On Monday, the office of the principal secretary to the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee received a communication from the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) under the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension, which is the cadre-control authority of the central service officers, that the state government’s proposal for Pant’s extension for another six months was approved.

After receiving the communication from the Union government, the state secretariat issued the notification for the extension of Pant. With this extension, the last day of Pant in the chair of the Chief Secretary will be December 31.

Pant took over the chair of Chief Secretary on August 31 this year and succeeded his predecessor B.P. Gopalika. The state government also sought a six-month extension for Gopalika, which was not approved by the Union government.

Pant had earlier served in important positions both in the Union and West Bengal governments. He is a 1999-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. At the time of taking over as the Chief Secretary last year, he was the additional chief secretary to the state irrigation department and before that, he was the state finance secretary.

He took over as the Chief Secretary at a crucial time when the state government and the ruling dispensation were going through one of its most challenging moments because of multiple issues like R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital rape and murder case and innumerable cases of corruption, among others.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting how Gopalika's extension wasn't approved but Pant's was. Makes you wonder about the selection criteria. Transparency in such decisions would build more trust.
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Priya S
As a Kolkata resident, I hope Mr. Pant uses these 6 months to address the corruption issues mentioned in the article. We need strong administrative action! #CleanWestBengal
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Arjun K
The article mentions challenging times - but doesn't elaborate enough. What specific plans does Pant have for improving governance? Media should ask these tough questions.
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Kavya N
His experience in both state finance and irrigation departments will be valuable. Hope he brings some financial discipline to the administration. Bengal needs it badly!
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Michael C
Six months seems like a very short extension. Either have confidence in an officer for longer term or bring in fresh leadership. This half-measure helps no one.

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