New Delhi: Union Power Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla is set to be the new home secretary when incumbent Rajiv Gauba retires at the end of August.

Bhalla will be replaced in the power ministry by current Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, an order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet stated.

Bhalla, a 1984-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has been appointed Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Home Affairs. This is a clear indication that he will be the new home secretary when Gauba, who is in the race to be the new cabinet secretary, retires.

Over at the defence ministry, additional secretary Subhash Chandra has been promoted to special secretary.

Current Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, who is on extension, is set to retire at the end of August, but he too is in the race to be the new cabinet secretary.

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