After Chhattisgarh acting Chief Secretary can also be appointed in Himachal

September 29, 2025

Following Chhattisgarh’s example, Himachal Pradesh may also appoint an acting Chief Secretary. This possibility is being considered until a new Chief Secretary is finalized. Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena is retiring on September 30th. Previously, he was granted a six-month extension on March 31st. Now that the matter has reached court, the prospect of another extension appears slim. However, the picture regarding the new Chief Secretary is still unclear. Chief Minister Sukhu may decide in this regard today or tomorrow.

Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain is also retiring on September 30th. Vikas Sheel has been appointed as Chief Secretary until further orders. A similar experiment could be implemented in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister has returned from abroad and can decide on a new Chief Secretary at any time. KK Pant has the strongest claim to the Chief Secretary position. KK Pant is a 1993-batch IAS officer.

The state’s senior-most IAS officer is Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer. Sanjay Gupta is the Chairman of the State Electricity Board. He is another contender for the Chief Secretary position. Anuradha Thakur, a 1994-batch IAS officer, is also a contender for the Chief Secretary position. However, her arrival in Himachal Pradesh is unlikely. Chief Minister Sukhu could assign the responsibility to any of them.

Major administrative reshuffles are underway this week.

Major administrative reshuffles are underway in Himachal Pradesh this week. Following the Chief Secretary’s retirement, several administrative officers will be reassigned. After deciding on the Chief Secretary, the Chief Minister may issue orders in this regard.