With officiating Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta (IAS:1988:HP) set to retire on May 31, 2026, discussions have intensified in the administrative and secretariat circles of Himachal Pradesh over who will take over as the state’s next Chief Secretary.
Sources said the state government has begun assessing factors such as seniority, administrative experience and service record at both state and central levels before taking a final decision on the appointment.
Among the key contenders is Kamlesh Kumar Pant (IAS:1993:HP), who is considered one of the strongest names in the race. Pant is currently the senior-most IAS officer in the cadre and is serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue)-cum-Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Additional Chief Secretary (Forest, Home & Vigilance), Financial Commissioner (Appeals), besides holding charge as Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board.
Another prominent name under consideration is Onkar Chand Sharma (IAS:1994:HP), who is presently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Development). He is also holding additional charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation Ltd., Shimla.
According to the gradation list, Onkar Sharma is junior to his batchmate Anuradha Thakur (IAS:1994:HP). Thakur is placed at the second position in the gradation list, while Onkar Sharma is at the third position. However, Thakur is presently serving on central deputation as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and her return to the state cadre appears unlikely considering the importance of her current assignment.
Apart from Pant and Sharma, senior IAS officer Bharat Harbanslal Khera (IAS:1995:HP), who is currently on central deputation as Secretary, Ministry of MSME, is also being seen as a potential candidate for the state’s top bureaucratic position.
The final decision is expected in the coming weeks before Sanjay Gupta’s retirement at the end of May.
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