New Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha (left) takes charge from his predecessor Ajit Seth. (Press Trust of India)
Senior IAS officer Pradeep Kumar Sinha on Saturday took over as Cabinet Secretary succeeding Ajit Seth who retired after serving in the post for four years.
Mr Sinha, an IAS officer of 1977 batch from Uttar Pradesh cadre, was Power Secretary before his new assignment. Earlier, he had served in different capacities at the Centre and in states.
Mr Seth, a 1974 batch officer, was given a warm send-off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wished him all the best for his future.
"After a distinguished career spanning 4 decades, Cabinet Secretary Shri Ajit Seth retired today. Best wishes for the new phase in his life," Mr Modi tweeted.
Mr Seth, who is also from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, had taken over as Cabinet Secretary on June 14, 2011 with a fixed tenure upto June 13, 2013. The UPA government had extended his tenure by a year. The Modi-government had given six-month extension to him in June. He was due to retire on December 13 and then he was given another extension of six months, which expired on Saturday.
The Prime Minister also appreciated Mr Seth's initiative for cleanliness.
"Ajit Sethji shared with me about 'Art in Steps', a unique initiative at Cabinet Secretariat to promote art & spread message of cleanliness," Mr Modi tweeted.