Race picks up for J'khand Chief Secretary's chair

Ranchi, Feb 21 (UNI) With several names in the list for coveted Chief Secretry's post as incumbent M K Mandal retires by end of this month, the Madhu Koda-led UPA government in Jharkhand is now looking for options over the team of senior IAS officers on Central deputation.

Mr Mandal will retire on February 28. He, however, had sent an application seeking voluntary retirement on February 7 which was still under the government's perusal.

Among the names on Central deputation are Mr T Nand Kumar, Ms Sushma Singh and Mr S D Sharma, all 1972-batch IAS officers.

Chief Minister Madhu Koda currently tour of Delhi was understood to have consulted other senior UPA leaders on the matter.

Other senior IAS officers, who are in the race and presently posted in the state included Mr P P Sharma, Mr A K Chug, Mr A K Basu and Mr Mukhtiyar Singh.

The state government has also some problems regarding the names of Mr Sarma, Mr Chugh and Mr Singh as hearing of varoius PIL filed against them were being heard by Jharkhand High Court.

A Supreme Court verdict said any officer facing allegation should not be appointed as Chief Secretary.

The state government was now scouring for a person having a ''clean and honest'' image.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reportedly made it clear that he would not ''compromise'' on the matter.

The government was also understood to have initiated steps to appoint the outgoing Chief Secretary as State Election Commissioner.

UNI