KK Pathak (IAS:1990:BH), the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department in Bihar, is likely to opt for central deputation, as the Bihar government has granted approval to his request. This potential move could bring an end to the controversies surrounding Pathak’s tenure.
Since assuming the role of Additional Chief Secretary, Pathak has been dedicated to reforming the state’s education system. However, his strict measures, such as enforcing school timings, led to clashes with the then Education Secretary, Dr. Chandrasekhar, and protests from staff. Despite facing opposition, including demands for his removal from the education department by the BJP, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar defended Pathak in the assembly, lauding him as the most honest bureaucrat. If Pathak successfully transitions to Delhi, it is expected that the controversies surrounding him will dissipate.
Pathak’s superannuation is slated for January 2028, with almost four years of service remaining. In his previous central assignment, he served as an Additional Secretary and Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) from November 2019 to September 2021, returning to his home cadre before the normal tenure’s expiration.
Having also served as Joint Secretary in Home Affairs and as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training, Pathak’s potential move to Delhi awaits finalization. Once the Bihar government issues a No Objection Certificate (NoC), the Union Government’s Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) will allocate a posting based on his empanelment. The central government will then inform the state government, allowing KK Pathak to join the Union Government upon his release from Bihar’s services.
