Shimla, Apr 2,
The Himachal Pradesh government has granted a one-year service extension to Pardeep Kumar, HPSS, Additional Secretary (Finance), allowing him to continue in his role until March 31, 2026. The decision was announced through an official notification issued on April 1, 2025, by the Department of Personnel (Appointment-IV).
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The extension was approved by the Governor under Rule 56 (d) of the Fundamental Rules, citing public interest. To facilitate this, an ex-cadre post of Additional Secretary (HPSS) has been created. However, Shri Kumar will retain his existing pay scale without any increments or promotions during the extended period, as per the Finance Department’s guidelines (Letter No. Fin(C)-A(3)-2/2013-L dated June 23, 2015).
Shri Kumar, who was set to retire, will now continue serving in the state’s Finance Department until the end of the extension period. The notification clarifies that he will retire on March 31, 2026 (afternoon), marking the conclusion of his extended tenure.
The extension comes on the same day the Himachal Pradesh High Court struck down the reemployment of another senior officer, Pardeep Sharma, as Director of Animal Husbandry. The court’s decision has sparked discussions on the legality of post-retirement appointments in the state.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena issued the order, emphasizing that the extension was granted strictly in accordance with rules and in the interest of administrative continuity. The move ensures stability in the Finance Department, where Kumar’s experience is deemed critical.
Critics, however, question the growing trend of extensions and reemployments, urging transparency in such decisions. The government maintains that such measures are taken only when necessary for public welfare.
With this extension, Pardeep Kumar will complete over a year of additional service, contributing to key financial policies before his eventual retirement in 2026.
