SP Goyal Becomes 56th Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. Tenure Possible Until 2027. Has Worked with Chief Minister Yogi for a Long Time. Focus Will Be on Development.
UP News: The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed senior IAS officer Shashi Prakash Goyal as the new Chief Secretary of the state. SP Goyal has become the 56th Chief Secretary of the state. He has replaced 1988 batch IAS officer Manoj Kumar Singh, who retired on Thursday. Goyal assumed office at Lok Bhavan at 6 pm on Thursday. His tenure may last until January 31, 2027.
Change Due to Non-Extension of Service
The state government had sent a proposal to the central government to extend the service of Manoj Kumar Singh as Chief Secretary. However, he had to retire on the scheduled date due to the central government's non-approval. Previously, Durga Shankar Mishra had received a two-and-a-half-year extension as Chief Secretary. Goyal was the next senior officer after Manoj Kumar Singh, so he was assigned this position.
Working with the Chief Minister for a Long Time
SP Goyal has worked with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in various positions for the past eight years. He was initially the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and then in June 2020, he was made Additional Chief Secretary. This responsibility has been entrusted to him considering his administrative experience, close coordination with the Chief Minister, and active role in the implementation of development plans.
Continuity of Leadership Benefit Possible Until 2027
Goyal is due to retire in January 2027. Therefore, it is expected that he may serve as Chief Secretary until the 2027 Assembly elections. If needed and desired by the government, he may also receive a service extension. This will provide Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with the opportunity to work with the same senior officer continuously, which will help maintain stability in governance and administration.
Focus Will Be on Development and Pure Administrative System
Upon assuming office, Goyal made it clear that his entire focus will be on the state's economic development, industrial expansion, and a pure administrative system. He said that the policy of zero tolerance and zero corruption will be implemented on the ground. Every possible effort will be made to take the state forward on the path of development in line with the intentions of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister.
Will Fulfill Several Important Responsibilities as Chief Secretary
Along with the Chief Secretary, SP Goyal has also been given the additional charge of Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC). In addition, he will also serve as Additional Chief Secretary Coordination, Chairman of PICUP, Chief Executive Officer of UPIDA, and Project Director of UPSHA and UPIDASP. All these positions are related to the state's industrial and infrastructure development, which demand Goyal's administrative capacity and experience.
Former Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh Welcomed Him
On the occasion of SP Goyal assuming office, retired Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh welcomed him. He said that he worked as Chief Secretary for one year and during this time, several major events and schemes were successfully completed under the guidance of the Chief Minister. He expressed hope that Goyal will also work with the same commitment and speed.
Several Important Milestones Ahead for the Chief Secretary
During Goyal's tenure, there will be several important elections and schemes in the state. Panchayat elections are proposed in 2025, municipal elections in 2026, and assembly elections in 2027. In addition, there is also the goal of making the state a one trillion dollar economy. In such a situation, his leadership will play a decisive role from an administrative and policy perspective.
