These days, a buzz is frequent in the power corridors of Patna about who will be the next Chief Secretary of Bihar as the incumbent Brijesh Mehrotra (IAS:1989:BH) is set to retire on August 31. Intense lobbying has started for his replacement, with several senior IAS officers being considered. Prominent contenders include Amrit Lal Meena, Chaitanya Prasad, KK Pathak, S Sidharth, and Prataya Amrit.
Chaitanya Prasad (IAS:1990:BH) is currently serving as the Development Commissioner, and by tradition, this role positions him as a strong contender for the top post. His chances largely depend on whether his senior, Amrit Lal Meena (IAS:1989:BH), who is currently on central deputation as Secretary in the Union Coal Ministry, decides not to return to the parent cadre.
KK Pathak’s (IAS:1990:BH) name is also being speculated for the top post. However, his prospects seem limited due to past difficulties with the state’s political leadership. Pathak recently gained attention while serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the State Education Department but was transferred under what was believed to be political pressure to a position in the State Revenue Board.
S Sidharth (IAS:1991:BH) and Prataya Amrit (IAS:1991:BH) are also considered contenders. Sidharth currently serves as Additional Chief Secretary of the State Education Department and is due to retire next year, coinciding with the state’s assembly elections. Prataya Amrit, on the other hand, holds the post of Additional Chief Secretary for Health, Road Construction, and State Disaster Management, and has a longer tenure until his retirement in 2027.
