Awasthi, the incumbent Additional Chief Secretary (Home), considered as eyes and ears to CM Yogi, is scheduled to retire on August 31, 2022. 

A section of officials in the state bureaucracy presumes that the tenure of Awasthi may be extended whereas another section believes that it is a foregone case now as Durga Shanker Mishra (IAS:1984:UP) has already marred Awasthi’s golden chance of becoming state's chief secretary.

When it comes to the issue of Awasthi’s extension, it is often argued that previously the Centre approved the extension requests of several state governments including those of non-BJP ruled states. But that was only in the cases of extension to the Chief Secretary while Awasthi is presently ACS and not a CS. 

Indianmandarins has learned that Awasthi will navigate the regular course of retirement and yet he may continue to have a say in the state administration as nothing stops the Yogi administration to place him in key positions.

It is believed that after his retirement Yogi administration may continue to use Awasthi's services as the CEO of the Uttar Pradesh State Highways Authority (UPSHA); a resourceful position which he is holding at present.

In case his term in service is extended he stands a chance of becoming CS after DS Mishra clears the deck in December or a little early. 

Another section of top officials believe that nothing stops the Yogi Government from placing Awasthi in a powerful position (may be in Cabinet rank) in the state like the then Punjab CM Capt Amrinder Singh placed Suresh Kumar (Retd IAS:1983:PB) as Chief Principal Secretary to CM in the rank and pay of Cabinet Secretary and also Gujarat IAS officer K Kailashnathan (Retd IAS:1979:GJ) who is still holding the position of Chief Principal Secretary to CM ever since he became then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi's Chief PS in 2013.

It is worth mentioning here that Awasthi was on deputation with the central government until 2017, and was prematurely called back to UP when Yogi Adityanath came to power.