New Delhi (29.12.2022): Former Union Secretary and incumbent Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Durga Shanker Mishra (IAS:1984:UP) is all set to get another extension before the first dawn of the Year 2023 appears but there is a catch in it.

If some well-placed sources are to be believed, the process started with an exchange of notes verbally but it took off formally on December 29, 2022, with the state government’s request reaching the New Delhi establishment seeking an extension for DS (as his seniors, batchmates, and peers call him in a lighter note) as CS for a period of three months; but a section of key officials says it’s for six months. 

Indianmandarins has learned that the Centre wanted to give six months extension to DS Mishra. Reportedly, the Lucknow establishment moved the proposal seeking a new lease of career for the incumbent CS for a period of three months ending March 31, 2023. It is to be seen whether the Centre gives its consent for three months or swings another surprise for the Lucknow establishment as it did last year on 29.12.2022.

It may be underlined that the Centre would certainly consider its own extraordinary decision of giving one year’s extension to the then J&K CS Bharat Bhushan Vyas (IAS:1986: JK) beyond May 31, 2018. It was the first-ever case in the history of Indian Civil Services that a Chief Secretary got three successive extensions beyond superannuation two each for three months (Dec 2017 to Feb 2018 and March 2018 to May 2018) and another for one year beyond May 31, 2018. But Vyas’ case could have a justification in the backdrop of an extraordinary situation in the then J&K state but now a Union Territory. 

As per the previous position a CS could get two successive extensions post-superannuation date; not exceeding six months. Reportedly, the Centre had amended the All India Service Rules to continue Vyas as the CS. 

In the given circumstances UP may not require a repeat of Vyas's record; post an extraordinarily decisive mandate in UP which is in a complete normalcy in terms of political stability and law & order situation. 

It means nothing stops the New Delhi establishment from extending the services of UP CS, DS Mishra for another six months (altogether one & a half years) ending June 30, 2023. Yet it remains a million-dollar question that what would be the final call of the Centre tomorrow evening.