News – Haryana Government Pursues Fresh Extension for Chief Secretary Amid Key Administrative Developments
News – The Haryana government has approached the Centre with a proposal to extend the tenure of Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi for a second time, while separate developments involving Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and the growing misuse of AI-generated content in Punjab have also drawn public attention.
Haryana Seeks Another Extension for Chief Secretary
The Haryana government has formally requested the Central government to grant another one-year extension to Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, a 1990-batch IAS officer. His present tenure is scheduled to conclude on June 30. If the proposal receives approval, Rastogi will continue as the state’s senior-most civil servant until June 2027.
Rastogi assumed the office of Chief Secretary on October 31, 2024. After reaching the age of retirement on June 30, 2025, he was granted a one-year extension. As the current extension nears its end, the state administration has once again recommended that he remain in the position, reflecting its preference for continuity in the state’s administrative leadership.
Several senior bureaucrats have reportedly been discussed as potential successors. Among them are Sudhir Rajpal and Sumita Mishra, both from the 1990 IAS batch, along with another senior officer serving in the Chief Minister’s Office. In addition, the names of two other experienced officers have also been considered. Despite these discussions, the government has chosen to back Rastogi for another term.
Chief Minister Assists Road Accident Victims
In a separate development, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini personally intervened after coming across a road accident on the Ladwa-Babain road in Kurukshetra district. His convoy was halted immediately after the injured individuals were noticed.
The Chief Minister instructed his personal physician to provide emergency medical assistance at the accident site. He also ensured that the injured men were shifted without delay to a nearby hospital in the advanced life support ambulance that accompanies his official convoy.
The victims were identified as 27-year-old Amit from Kalwa village in Beed and 30-year-old Rajat Kumar from Surajgarh. Before they were taken for further treatment, Saini interacted with both men to enquire about their condition. He later stated that extending help to people facing emergencies is a fundamental responsibility of every public representative.
AI-Generated Deepfakes Intensify Political Tensions in Punjab
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence in political campaigns are increasing. Deepfake videos, manipulated visuals and fabricated online content are being circulated to target political figures and religious leaders, prompting calls for stricter legal measures against those creating and distributing such material.
Political rivalry between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal has expanded into the digital space, where both sides have accused each other of spreading misleading and offensive AI-generated content. The growing trend has raised concerns over the impact of misinformation on public discourse and electoral politics.
The latest controversy emerged after objectionable AI-generated videos allegedly depicting Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj appeared on social media. The incident has triggered widespread criticism and renewed debate over the need for stronger safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence for political and religious disinformation.