West Bengal

West Bengal (June 30,2023) : The central government has extended the service of West Bengal Chief Secretary Harikrishna Dwibedi for six months. Dwibedi's term was scheduled to end on June 30, but the Centre has now extended it till December 31. The decision to extend Dwibedi's service has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the decision, saying that it will provide continuity in the administration. Others have criticized the decision, saying that it is an attempt by the Centre to interfere in the affairs of the state government.

Dwibedi is a 1987-batch IAS officer. He has served in various capacities in the state government, including as the secretary of the home department and the finance department. He was appointed as the chief secretary in June 2021. The extension of Dwibedi's service comes at a time when the state government is facing a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming panchayat elections. The Centre's decision is seen as an attempt to provide stability to the state government and to ensure that the panchayat elections are held smoothly.