When Sudhansh Pant took over as chief secretary of Rajasthan on January 1, 2024, hardly V Srinivas, who was then serving as secretary administrative reforms at centre, had an inkling that he might become chief secretary almost 10 months before his retirement replacing younger Pant, who has 6 more months than him to retire.
But then destiny had it. V Srinivas had to undergo premature repatriation. Sudhansh Pant had to return to the centre. Once again as secretary but in different set up.
V Srinivas, who is a known reformist and innovationist, has a task cut out. As the secretary administrative reforms, Srinivas has been toying with several innovations and modern practices to press in reforms n administrative functioning. Even in its last tenure in Rajasthan, Srinivas had introduced online revenue records when he was helming the revenue board as its chairman.
Sudhansh Pant during his 22-month long tenure had introduced many good practices including speedy disposal of files, punctuality and accountability. The camaraderie between Pant and Srinivas will ensure that the ‘good work' by Pant will be continued while Srinivas may introduce more such practices prevalent at centre.
Srinivas has a mandate to serve. He said that the main objective would be to turn Rajasthan into Developed State by 2047.
“The focus will be on how to increase the growth rate of Rajasthan and how to bring in new private investment,” he said.
Srinivas said that the state has great expectations from Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit where large corporate have signed investment MoUs with state government.
“Our focus would be to implement the MoUs on ground. This will help us in marking Rajasthan a progressive and developed state,” he said.
The outgoing chief secretary said that Rajasthan will remain on top of his mind.
“Rajasthan is my state of service. Even when I will be at centre, I will also keep an eye on development of Rajasthan. I would contribute as much as I can in my current capacity,” he said.

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