Patna: Bihar chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh has finally been given extension of his service for three months.

Anjani, a 1981-batch IAS officer, was scheduled to retire from service on February 28 this year. The Centre gave its green signal to the state government's proposal to extent the service of the incumbent chief secretary.

Anjani, considered close to chief minister Nitish Kumar, was appointed chief secretary of the state after the superannuation of Ashok Kumar Sinha (1976 batch) on June 30, 2014. He is credited with successful implementation of Nitish's dream projects during his stint as chief secretary.

A senior IAS officer said Singh got extension of service because of his proficiency in getting things done. Anjani, who is accompanying chief minister Nitish in Gwalior, confirmed extension of his service for three months. He, however, couldn't talk much over the issue because of his busy schedule there.

Anjani, a native of Begusarai district, was appointed to the coveted post, superseding his seniors. Earlier, he had served as principal secretary to the chief minister, principal secretaries of agriculture, education, art and culture departments before being elevated to the post of the chief secretary.

Anjani was recently credited with successfully organising a human chain across the state to garner people's support against child marriage and dowry.

A year ago, a similar human chain was organised to seek the mass support in favour of total prohibition.

"I still remember his tenure as the principal secretary of education department. He was the man behind successful implementation of bicycles for the government school girls, which made Nitish popularity in his first tenure as chief minister," a district education officer posted in north Bihar recalled.

However, the suspense over appointment of new director general of police still continues. Incumbent DGP P.K. Thakur retires on February 28.