New Delhi (05.05.2023): The Rajasthan government has started its search for the replacement of Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma (IAS: 1985: RJ) as she is set to retire on June 30, 2023. Veenu Gupta (IAS: 1987: RJ), the senior most IAS officer, is being considered as a strong contender for the post.

If appointed, Veenu Gupta will be the third woman Chief Secretary in the state's history. However, she faces competition from two other women IAS officers. There is also speculation about whether Usha Sharma will get an extension or not.

The search for the new CS is bit complicated as top 10 senior IAS officers in Rajasthan are on deputation. The process of seeking back the services of any IAS officer on deputation to Delhi is a long one, requiring the consent of both the central and state governments. As a result, IAS officers posted in Delhi are no longer considered involved in the race.

At present, there are 16 IAS officers as Additional Chief Secretaries in Rajasthan's bureaucracy, all from the 1993 batch. Rajasthan made history in 2009 when Kushal Singh became the state's first woman Chief Secretary. Ashok Gehlot was the chief minister at the time also. In January 2022, Gehlot made Usha Sharma the Chief Secretary of the state.The retirement of Veenu Gupta is in December 2023.