KK Pant emerges as frontrunner for post
TNR News Network
Shimla:
With Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena set to retire on September 30, 2025, suspense looms large over who will head the state bureaucracy next.
The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government is yet to announce a decision on whether Prabodh Saxena will be granted another extension or whether a new Chief Secretary will be appointed — either permanently or in an interim capacity.
The government may take a cue from Chhattisgarh, where an acting Chief Secretary was recently appointed following the retirement of the incumbent. A similar stop-gap arrangement may be considered in Himachal Pradesh, pending the appointment of a full-time Chief Secretary, said sources.
Another extension unlikely amid legal hurdles
Prabodh Saxena was earlier granted a six-month extension when he retired on March 31, 2025, despite some resistance. However, the matter reached the court, casting doubt on the possibility of another extension this time around. Legal complications and administrative precedent may weigh heavily on the Chief Minister’s final decision.
Saxena, a 1990-batch IAS officer, has had a long and impactful tenure, but mounting legal pressure makes his continuation appear unlikely. Still, no official communication has been made and sources indicate that CM Sukhu could announce a decision anytime in the next 24 hours.
KK Pant emerges as frontrunner
In the race to succeed Saxena, KK Pant, a 1993-batch IAS officer, is emerging as the most likely candidate. Known for his administrative acumen and clean track record, Pant has served in several key positions and is considered the frontrunner if the government decides to make a fresh appointment.
Other contenders include Sanjay Gupta (1988 batch), the senior-most IAS officer in the state, currently serving as Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board, and Anuradha Thakur (1994 batch), whose return to the state is considered less probable due to central deputation responsibilities.
Interim appointment possible, major reshuffle expected
If no final decision is reached by September 30, the state may temporarily appoint an acting Chief Secretary — as seen in Chhattisgarh, where Vikas Sheel was asked to hold charge until further orders after Amitabh Jain’s retirement.
Now that CM Sukhu has returned from his overseas visit, top-level bureaucratic appointments are back on his immediate agenda. Insiders say the Chief Minister is also preparing for a major administrative reshuffle later this week, which will follow the announcement of the new Chief Secretary. Departmental changes for several senior IAS officers are expected to accompany the leadership transition.
