The possibility of Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh receiving a service extension now appears to be almost over. His term is expiring on July 31st, and the state government had sent a proposal to the central government for an extension about 15 days ago. However, no clear or positive response has been received from the center so far. In such a situation, it is believed in administrative circles that the UP government may soon appoint a new Chief Secretary.
Three Senior Officers Competing in the Race
Discussions regarding the post of Chief Secretary have intensified in the state bureaucracy and political circles. The names of three senior IAS officers are being discussed in the race for this position. The most senior name is SP Goyal, a 1989 batch officer who is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. If he gets this responsibility, he can remain in service until January 2027, which will provide the government with long-term stability and administrative experience.
The second name is Devesh Chaturvedi, also a 1989 batch officer, who is currently on deputation to the central government. However, his retirement date is February 2026, which would give him only a seven-month term if he becomes Chief Secretary. Due to this limited time, his claim is considered somewhat weak.
Deepak Kumar's Claim is Also Strong
The third name for the post of Chief Secretary is Deepak Kumar, a 1990 batch IAS officer, who is currently serving as Agriculture Production Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (Finance). He is considered one of the officers close to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Deepak Kumar's term is until October 2026, which could give him about 15 months if he is given this responsibility. His administrative grasp and proximity to the Chief Minister strengthen his claim.
Suspense Remains on Service Extension
Former Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra received a two-and-a-half-year service extension after retirement, due to which a similar possibility was being expressed for the current Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh. But the lack of any formal response from the central government so far indicates that perhaps the government wants to bring in a new face this time. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see in whose hands the command of the Uttar Pradesh bureaucracy goes.
The new appointment will not only establish administrative balance, but will also strengthen Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's future plans and development agenda. The decision now depends only on the green signal from the center and the strategy of the state government.
