IAS Akhil Arora, who has spent one-fifth of his career in finance department, is unlikely to be oblivious to budgetary preparations this year. Arora, who is now serving as Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, has produced record six budgets in a row. And it is a rare coincidence that after helming finance department for more than five years, he was hand picked to helm the CM office. By virtue of being at CMO and having expertise in budget preparation, Arora must had been consulted by CM on draft budget.
Arora's gifted skill of juggling with finance numbers enabled him to serve as department chief in both Congress and BJP government. He is among few officers who are immune to changing political dispensation.
Not involved directly in Budget preparation
This time Arora may not be involved directly in making budgetary provisions or managing fiscal health, but being seated strongly in the top office of CM, he must had been consulted by Finance Minister (FM) and Chief Minister before giving final touches.
“Akhil Arora had been synonymous to finance department after having spent longest tenure in the department. The CM most likely have consulted him when FM apprised CM before finalising the draft budget. After all Arora's expertise should be put to best of use for the state finance,” said R C Jain, former IAS, who has seen changing colours of bureaucracy over last 50 years.
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