The West Bengal government’s proposal for extending Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal’s tenure by six months has been approved by the Union government. Agarwal will now serve as the State Chief Secretary from August 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, as per the notification issued by the State Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department. The Department of Personnel and Training under the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions granted approval for the extension on July 23.
Agarwal, a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the West Bengal cadre, was initially set to retire on July 31, 2026. However, the state government’s request for his extension was accepted by the Union government. The extension falls under Section 16(1) of the All-India Services (DCRB) Rules, 1958, as per the communication from the Department of Personnel and Training to West Bengal.
Having previously served as the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal during the state Assembly polls and held key positions in various state government departments, Agarwal’s extension comes after receiving accolades for his role in ensuring peaceful voting in the state. Following the recent change in government leadership, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking charge in West Bengal, Agarwal assumed the position of Chief Secretary.
