Alok Kumar (IAS:1993:UP) is being relieved today from Niti Aayog consequent upon his repatriation to cadre state (UP). Officials at NITI are perplexed over his repatriation. The development is being seen as something unusual that is a new normal now. 

It may be underlined that the ACC order dated 28 May 2020 announced him an extension for a year beyond 16.06.2020. Fifty-one days later (21.07.2020) the ACC revisited its previous decision (28.05.2020) announcing his repatriation with extended cooling-off.       

It became a talking point that what turned out counter-productive for Alok Kumar; an officer who had been shouldering over 60-70 percent of the key assignments allotted among JS level officials at NITI.  

Since the State Government itself had given its consent (NoC) for his extension in May-June it rules out the possibility that the state government would have recalled his services.  

Considering Centre’s U-turn against its 51 days old decision it appears that something would have irked the higher-ups. It is heard that there were some differences between the Ministry of Health and NITI over policy issues. But it does not sound convincing because differences in opinion are inevitable and healthy ingredients of the decision-making process.    

It is further apprehended whether the decision would cast its shadow over the empanelment for holding Additional Secretary level post in Government of India; a decision which 1993 batch officers are keenly waiting for. Alok Kumar is considered among competent officers and his repatriation leaves a question ‘where is the reward for premium’?

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