In a sudden and surprising development, on December 6, 2023, the Jharkhand government announced the appointment of IAS officer L Khiangte (IAS:1988:JH) as the new Chief Secretary, replacing the incumbent Shukhdeo Singh (IAS:1987:JH). Khiangte was currently serving as the Director General of the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) with additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary for the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department.
The unexpected shift in the top bureaucratic leadership has taken the corridors of power by surprise, especially considering Singh’s perceived closeness to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Singh had previously served as the Principal Secretary to Soren during his first tenure as Chief Minister in 2013.
Initially appointed as Chief Secretary in March 2020, Singh was anticipated to complete his term until his retirement in March 2024. However, he has now been transferred and posted as the Director General of ATI.
Khiangte, slated to retire on October 31, 2024, is expected to continue in his new role until his retirement date.
