Senior IAS officer Dr S Siddharth (IAS:1991:BH), currently Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department, Bihar, has applied for Voluntary Retirement (VRS) and stepped down from his post ahead of his scheduled retirement on November 30, 2025. According to sources, his VRS application, submitted on July 17, 2025, is currently awaiting approval from the Chief Minister’s Office.
It is widely speculated that Dr. Siddharth may contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections from a constituency in Nawada district on a JD(U) ticket.
During his stint in the Education Department, he implemented reforms like Model Schools, teacher training, and online grievance redressal—though some of his policies, particularly around teacher transfers, drew controversy.
In a distinguished administrative career spanning over three decades, Dr. Siddharth held key posts including Secretary to the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary of Industries, and District Magistrate of four districts. He also served at the Centre as Director, Ministry of Heavy Industries.
He played a central role in drafting the Bihar Urban Planning and Development Act 2014, launched the Patna Metro DPR, and led policies like the Bihar Industrial Policy 2016, Investment Act, and Startup Policy 2017. He also contributed to handloom, skill development, and Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
Dr. Siddharth has served as ACS of Home, Finance, and GAD, Chairman of BIADA, CEO of Bihar Foundation, and held positions in administrative reforms and public grievance redressal. He is also known for his expertise in industrial investment, commerce, and e-governance.
Notably, another IAS officer Dinesh Kumar Rai (IAS:2007:BH) opted VRS recently. He is likely to contest elections from Kargahar in Rohtas district on the ticket of JD(U). Rai’s VRS was accepted by the state government.
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