Consider the following statements:

1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Both statements are incorrect

• Chief Secretary is the senior-most cadre post in the state administration, ranking 23rd on the Indian Order of Precedence (maintained by Ministry of Home Affairs).
• Appointment:
  • S/he/they is ‘chosen’ by the CM through an executive action and is taken in the name of the Governor.
  • The Office has been excluded from the operation of the tenure system.
  • In the Union Territories, which are governed by Administrators, Chief Secretaries are absent.
  • In these territories (UT), an Adviser to the Administrator is appointed by the Union Government.
  • However, the UTs of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry, which have been granted partial statehood, do have Chief Secretaries.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2; Difficulty Level: Medium