Assam:  IAS Officer Vishal Solanki takes voluntary retirement

Guwahati: The Assam government has approved the voluntary retirement application of IAS officer Vishal Vasant Solanki.

Solanki, a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, previously served as secretary to former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Solanki was on deputation in Maharashtra since 2017. He had recently returned to Assam and rejoined his workplace as commissioner and secretary.

However, citing personal reasons, Solanki submitted a request for voluntary retirement under Rule 16(2) of the All India Service (DCRB) Rules. The Assam government, led by Secretary, Personnel Department, Yadav Shaikia, issued a directive on June 25, granting Solanki's request with effect from May.

This news comes amidst a trend of IAS and IPS officers in Assam opting for voluntary retirement. While Solanki's decision is attributed to personal circumstances, concerns have been raised about officers leaving the state through voluntary retirement and central deputation, particularly amidst allegations of political pressure leading to dismissals.