The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday (January 23, 2026) carried out a minor but significant reshuffle in the Delhi administration by appointing senior IAS officer Santosh D Vaidya (IAS:1998:AGMUT) as Principal Secretary (Home), Government of NCT of Delhi.
Vaidya replaces Bipul Pathak (IAS:1992:AGMUT), who had been holding the post since September 2025.
Santosh D Vaidya was transferred from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi on January 4, 2026, and was awaiting posting orders. However, he is yet to be formally relieved from Jammu and Kashmir, where he is currently serving as Principal Secretary, Finance Department.
The Jammu and Kashmir government is scheduled to present its Budget on February 6, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah holding the Finance portfolio, followed by discussions on Demands for Grants till February 18. In view of these ongoing proceedings, Vaidya has not yet been relieved.
As a stop-gap arrangement, Sandeep Kumar (IAS:1997:AGMUT)—currently serving as Principal Secretary (Vigilance) and holding additional charge of Principal Secretary (Administrative Reforms), Principal Secretary (IT), Chairman, DSSSB, and Chairperson, DPCC—will function as Principal Secretary (Home) until Santosh D. Vaidya assumes charge.
Meanwhile, outgoing Principal Secretary (Home) Bipul Pathak has been appointed Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare) with additional charge as Director, Union Territory Civil Services (UTCS).
Join Us on WhatsApp