The government could only give a three-month extension, it was learned to have consulted the Union Government for retaining the officers. As many as 11 IAS officers are due to retire this year. This will create many vacancies at the top. Since the number of officers in the subsequent batches is not substantial, there will be a dearth of senior officers. The government is hoping to find a way to carry on with the present set of officers and use their services and experience after their retirement. Sources said that there was a precedent of officers continuing to hold the office at the Centre after retirement, and the state was willing to replicate the same to tide over the shortfall.