With UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh set to retire on July 31, speculation is rife over whether he will get an extension or make way for a new top bureaucrat.
Singh, a 1988 batch IAS officer considered close to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, may get an extension if the state government sends a proposal to the Centre seeking an extension and if the Centre grants its approval. Sources indicate that such a proposal is under consideration.
However, if the extension doesn’t materialize, 1989 batch officers are expected to be in the fray. Leading the race is SP Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM and a close aide of Adityanath. With two years of service left, Goyal has been serving in the CM’s Office for the last eight years. He also holds charge of key departments including Civil Aviation, Estate, and serves as Additional Resident Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh.
Another contender from 1989 batch is Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary in the Union Agriculture Ministry. Known for his administrative acumen and clean image, Chaturvedi went on central deputation in August 2024 and was recently given additional charge of the Cooperation Ministry. His chances of returning to the UP cadre, however, appear slim.
Also from the 1989 batch, Anil Kumar, Chairman of the Revenue Board, is said to be out of the race.
The recent appointment of 1990 batch IAS officer Deepak Kumar as Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) has added another strong contender. An Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Kumar is also in charge of Secondary and Basic Education. He is seen as part of the CM’s trusted inner circle and retires in October 2026.
With the clock ticking on Singh’s tenure, all eyes are now on whether UP opts for continuity or brings in a new face at the top.
Join Us on WhatsApp