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Uttar Pradesh Set to Appoint New Chief Secretary: SP Goyal, Devesh Chaturvedi, and Deepak Kumar in Contention

Uttar Pradesh Set to Appoint New Chief Secretary: SP Goyal, Devesh Chaturvedi, and Deepak Kumar in Contention

The Uttar Pradesh government is intensely deliberating at the highest levels regarding the appointment of the next Chief Secretary. The current Chief Secretary, Manoj Kumar Singh, is retiring on July 31st, and indications suggest that he will not be granted an extension. Approximately 15 days ago, the state government sent a proposal for his extension to the central government, but the lack of a response thus far bly suggests that the state will soon have a new Chief Secretary.

The Chief Minister's Office and the Department of Personnel are thoroughly considering the names for the next Chief Secretary. The government is seeking an officer who is not only b in administrative experience but also adept at working with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Three senior IAS officers are reportedly leading the race, with seniority, reliability, and a long tenure being key factors.

SP Goyal Frontrunner

The most prominent name in the race for Chief Secretary is SP Goyal, a senior IAS officer from the 1989 batch. He is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and is considered to have a very b hold on governance. SP Goyal is regarded as a trusted officer of the Chief Minister and has been directly involved in several major decisions. His tenure extends until 2027, making him a stabilizing option.

Devesh Chaturvedi Also in the Running

Another senior officer from the 1989 batch, Devesh Chaturvedi, has also emerged as a prominent contender. He is currently posted in the central government as Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Devesh Chaturvedi is known as an experienced and well-balanced administrator. Notably, when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was a Member of Parliament, Devesh Chaturvedi was the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur, and they have maintained a good rapport since then. His tenure extends until February 2025, which could pose a slight challenge in terms of administrative continuity.

Deepak Kumar's Name Also Being Discussed

The name of Deepak Kumar, an IAS officer from the 1990 batch, is being discussed as the third contender. He is currently posted as Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Agricultural Production. Deepak Kumar's administrative efficiency and decision-making abilities have been widely praised. His tenure extends until October 2026, making him a long-term option.

It remains to be seen which factors the Yogi government prioritizes—a long tenure, proximity to the Chief Minister, or a balance between the central and state governments. The decision could come any day.

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