Every IAS officer aspires to become the country's Defense Secretary not only because it's a highly prestigious post but also because it opens up a window of opportunity to serve as secretary for two years beyond the superannuation age. In terms of prestige and opportunity, the post of defense secretary is bracketed with those of Cabinet Secretary, Union Home Secretary, and External Affairs Secretary.
So the appointment of Sanjay Mitra (IAS:1982:WB) this week as Defence Secretary triggered a lot of envy. However, for Mitra, the new responsibility brought him everything but the benefit of two years of service beyond the superannuation date. While serving as Secretary, Min of Road Transport & Highways, he would have retired on 31 May 2019 whereas as Defence Secretary also Mitra would continue in service till 31 May as the rule says that the Defence Secretary would get a minimum two years tenure irrespective of superannuation age.
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Mitra earns the prestige, but not the personal benefit
By IndianMandarins - 2017-05-12 11:18:51
Every IAS officer aspires to become the country's Defense Secretary not only because it's a highly prestigious post but also because it opens up a window of opportunity to serve as secretary for two years beyond the superannuation age. In terms of prestige and opportunity, the post of defense secretary is bracketed with those of Cabinet Secretary, Union Home Secretary, and External Affairs Secretary.
So the appointment of Sanjay Mitra (IAS:1982:WB) this week as Defence Secretary triggered a lot of envy. However, for Mitra, the new responsibility brought him everything but the benefit of two years of service beyond the superannuation date. While serving as Secretary, Min of Road Transport & Highways, he would have retired on 31 May 2019 whereas as Defence Secretary also Mitra would continue in service till 31 May as the rule says that the Defence Secretary would get a minimum two years tenure irrespective of superannuation age. 
