KK Pant emerges as frontrunner for the post
Sunil Chadha
Shimla: With Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena’s extended tenure ending on Tuesday (September 30, 2025), uncertainty prevails over who will lead the state’s bureaucracy next.
The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government has yet to announce whether Prabodh Saxena will be granted another extension or if a new Chief Secretary will be appointed — permanently or in an interim capacity.
The government may opt for a temporary arrangement similar to Chhattisgarh, where an acting Chief Secretary was appointed after the incumbent’s retirement. Sources say this option is under active consideration in Himachal Pradesh until a full-time successor is finalised.
Another extension unlikely amid legal hurdles
Saxena, a 1990-batch IAS officer, had earlier retired on March 31 this year but was granted a six-month extension despite opposition. The matter later landed in court, raising doubts about the feasibility of granting him another extension now.
While Saxena has had a long and influential career in the state administration, mounting legal challenges make his continuation unlikely. Still, no formal word has come from the government and Chief Minister Sukhu is expected to take a final call within the next 24 hours.
KK Pant in the lead, Sanjay Gupta also in contention
Among the names in contention, KK Pant, a 1993-batch IAS officer, has emerged as the strongest candidate. Known for his administrative skills and clean image, Pant returned from central deputation last year and is widely believed to enjoy the Chief Minister’s confidence.
The senior-most IAS officer in the state, Sanjay Gupta (1988 batch), is also in the running. Currently serving as Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board, Gupta’s candidature is backed by seniority, though he has been overlooked twice earlier. Other names in circulation include Anuradha Thakur (1994 batch), who is still on central deputation, and Omkar Sharma (1994 batch), whose chances are seen as diminished due to a recent controversy linked to a probe into the Chief Engineer Vimal Negi death case.
Interim arrangement, reshuffle on cards
If a permanent choice is not made immediately, the state government may appoint an acting Chief Secretary to avoid an administrative vacuum. Insiders suggest that once the Chief Secretary issue is settled, a wider bureaucratic reshuffle could follow, with several senior IAS officers expected to be reassigned key portfolios.
With both the Chief Secretary and DGP positions open for decision, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Sukhu as he prepares for crucial top-level appointments that could reshape the state’s administrative setup.
