Senior IAS officer Navneet Sehgal (IAS:1988:UP), known for his distinguished service in three successive governments, is set to retire on Monday, culminating a remarkable career spanning 35 years. A man of all seasons, he held plum postings in the dispensations of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Throughout his tenure as an IAS officer, Navneet Sehgal’s contributions have been characterized by dignity and excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the government and society he served. His dedication and dignified approach to his work have earned him a special identity among his peers and the public. As he embarks on this new chapter in life, his legacy of distinguished service will continue to inspire others in the bureaucratic realm.
Starting his service career as a Joint Magistrate, his journey reaches the high-ranking post of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Sports and Youth Welfare. As ACS, he continues to play an important role in various sports associations in the state and is credited with bringing sweeping changes in the department like never before.
Navneet Sehgal’s journey in the civil services commenced with an important posting as Vice President of the Haridwar Development Authority. Over time, the government acknowledged his talent and capabilities, leading to his appointment as Joint Secretary to the Home Department at a remarkably young age. During the period when the Bharatiya Janata Party held power in Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow was Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s parliamentary constituency, Navneet Sehgal took on the crucial role of District Magistrate of Lucknow. His rapid rise through various prestigious positions reflects his exceptional skills and dedication to public service.
Navneet Sehgal also held the crucial position of SUDA to implement important schemes of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Sehgal served as Chief Minister Mayawati’s secretary in the BSP government and was regarded as one of the most influential officers.
Following the formation of the SP government in 2012, Sehgal faced a period of being sidelined and placed on waiting. However, after two years, he regained prominence and reentered the mainstream bureaucracy in 2014 when he was appointed as the Principal Secretary Information. During this time, he earned the trust and confidence of the then Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, becoming one of his most trusted officers.
Apart from his role in the DIPR, Sehgal also served as the CEO of UPEDA, where he played a key role in the quick and high-quality construction of the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, which was showcased as a major development achievement by the SP.
During the Yogi-1 government, Sehgal was entrusted with an important department like information. However, after the formation of the Yogi-2 government, he was transferred to the Sports Department in August 2022. Despite this change, he is known to maintain a cordial relationship with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the central leadership of the BJP, and enjoys considerable goodwill in both the media world and the political circles. His reputation as a trusted and respected figure in these domains remains intact.
