While Chhibber, currently the DG of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) at NITI Aayog, was initially seen by some as a candidate for regularisation, fresh leads suggest a different script is being written.

Contrary to earlier speculation that the interim arrangement might turn permanent, the grapevine indicates that the government is scouting for a regular replacement from the current pool of Union Secretaries.

It is reliably learnt that the prime candidate for a post-retirement stint at the apex think tank is scheduled for superannuation this year and may be asked to conclude terms as Secretary prematurely. 

The appointment of the prospective candidates would also give an idea of who exactly commands the affairs at NITI Aayog.