Consider the following statements: 1. The Chief Secretary in a State

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
  • 2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
Statement 1 is correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.
– The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State, based on the recommendation of the Chief Minister (Statement 1). The appointment order is formally issued in the name of the Governor.
– The Chief Secretary does not have a fixed tenure (Statement 2). They hold office at the pleasure of the Chief Minister/Governor and can be transferred or removed. Their tenure is typically not fixed by statute but depends on the political executive’s decision.
The Chief Secretary is the administrative head of the State Secretariat, the head of the State Civil Services, and the chief advisor to the Chief Minister. Their position is of crucial importance in state administration. While appointed by the Governor, their selection is entirely the prerogative of the Chief Minister.
Exit mobile version