In a significant development, the Assam government has given the green light to IAS officer Vishal Vasant Solanki’s request for voluntary retirement. Solanki, a distinguished member of the 2005-batch IAS officers belonging to the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, had previously held the esteemed position of secretary to former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Solanki had been serving on deputation in Maharashtra since 2017 but had recently returned to his home state of Assam, where he resumed his duties as commissioner and secretary. However, due to personal reasons, Solanki decided to pursue voluntary retirement, invoking Rule 16(2) of the All India Service (DCRB) Rules. The Assam government, under the leadership of Secretary of the Personnel Department, Yadav Shaikia, promptly approved Solanki’s request on June 25, with the effect of his retirement being recognized from May.
This announcement comes at a time when a growing number of IAS and IPS officers in Assam are opting for voluntary retirement. While Solanki’s decision is said to be driven by personal circumstances, concerns have been raised regarding officers leaving the state through voluntary retirement and central deputation. Some have even raised allegations of political pressure leading to dismissals, prompting a closer examination of the situation.
The voluntary retirement of experienced officers like Solanki undoubtedly raises questions about the impact on the efficiency and stability of the state bureaucracy. As Assam faces various challenges, the departure of skilled and knowledgeable individuals from key positions may have far-reaching consequences. It remains to be seen how the government addresses these concerns and ensures the continuity of a strong administrative framework in the state.
some highly ranked bureaucrats feel ashamed themselves when rivalry between politician and bureaucrats starts on this point thst who run the District or State successfully.Some bureaucrats don’t want to loose their self esteem and back to pavellian.