Home finally goes in-house

Home Secretary Madhukar Guptas three-month extension would have happened at least a month back had it not been for some last-minute rethinking in the Home Ministry. The ministry apparently was of the view that a change in guard would in no way affect the poll process,the reason given for seeking the extension of Guptas tenure. However,after much mulling,it was decided at the highest level that Guptas continuance could help in the smooth conduct of the elections. The decision means that the contenders for the next Home Secretary among them Commerce Secretary G K Pillai and Revenue Secretary P V Bhide will have to wait another three months to know their fate. Interestingly,another extension given the same day that went entirely unnoticed was that of Deputy NSA Leela Ponappa. Ponappas tenure was also ending this month and she too has been given a three-month extension.