Transfer business

Now that secretaries in various government departments are scheduled to retire in two to three months, the ministries are inevitably abuzz with speculation about their replacements. Rumours are doing the rounds that Finance Secretary Sushama Nath, who retires later this month, may become central vigilance commissioner, because the government wants to bring in someone with a clean image for the post, especially following the embarrassment over P J Thomas’ appointment. Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar is also retiring on June 30. It is heard that the Prime Minister’s Office may opt to extend his term, though possible replacements in the line-up are Ajit Kumar Seth, currently secretary (public grievances and co-ordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat, World Bank Executive Director Pulok Chatterjee and Bihar Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee.