Ashok Saikia, a former officer of the Indian Administrative Service and joint secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, passed away in a private hospital in New Delhi on Sunday.

Saikia, 60, is survived by his wife and two sons.

He had been on deputation to the Asia Development Bank [Get Quote] in Manila and had taken voluntary retirement because of his ailments.

Family sources said that Saikia died of complications during an open heart surgery.

His body was flown to Guwahati, on the way to Titabor, his home town, where the last rites will be performed.