The names of at least four senior officers in the rank of Additional Chief Secretary are being talked about for the post of the Chief Secretary. The incumbent, Girija Vaidyanathan, is set to attain superannuation in July.
Besides three officers serving in the Home, Finance and Rural Development Departments, an officer working for a constitutional authority is also being talked about for the top post. There is also a chance of the incumbent becoming the Cabinet Secretary in Delhi, as she is, at present, the senior-most officer in the country after the Cabinet Secretary. If she becomes the Cabinet Secretary, she could hold the post for two years even if she is scheduled to retire in July, as she could be given an extension, an officer said.