In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, Anurag Jain, the outgoing Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday. Jain will serve as the head of the government’s premier public policy think tank for a two-year term from the date he assumes office.
Following his appointment, the Madhya Pradesh General Administration Department named Ashok Barnwal, a 1991-batch IAS officer, as the Acting Chief Secretary of the state. The appointment takes immediate effect and will remain valid until a regular Chief Secretary is appointed.
Anurag Jain Appointed CEO of NITI Aayog
A 1989-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Anurag Jain took over as the state’s Chief Secretary on October 3, 2024. Although he was scheduled to retire in 2025, the Centre granted him a one-year extension, allowing him to continue in office until August 31, 2026.
With his appointment as CEO of NITI Aayog, Jain will now move to New Delhi to lead the government’s apex policy institution responsible for driving reforms, cooperative federalism, and long-term development strategies.
Ashok Barnwal Appointed Acting Chief Secretary
In the wake of Jain’s elevation, the Madhya Pradesh government has entrusted Ashok Barnwal with the additional responsibility of Acting Chief Secretary. The General Administration Department issued the appointment order on Wednesday, stating that Barnwal will continue in the role until further orders or until a full-time Chief Secretary is appointed.
Who Will Be the Next Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary?
The appointment of a permanent Chief Secretary is expected in the coming weeks.
Among the senior IAS officers of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Rajoura is considered the frontrunner due to his seniority following Anurag Jain. Other senior officers whose names have been discussed include:
- Manoj Govil
- Pankaj Agrawal
- Manu Srivastava
- Neeraj Mandloi
While Govil and Agrawal are currently serving in the Central Government, Manu Srivastava and Neeraj Mandloi are serving as Additional Chief Secretaries in Madhya Pradesh.
The state government is expected to announce the appointment of a full-time Chief Secretary after completing the selection process.
Key Highlights
- Anurag Jain appointed CEO of NITI Aayog for a two-year term.
- Appointment approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
- Ashok Barnwal takes charge as Acting Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh.
- Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer, served as MP Chief Secretary since October 2024.
- His extended tenure was scheduled to end on August 31, 2026.
- Senior IAS officers, including Dr. Rajesh Kumar Rajoura, Manoj Govil, and Pankaj Agrawal, remain in contention for the permanent Chief Secretary’s post.