Major administrative reshuffle on cards in Himachal; Sukhu govt hasn’t yet changed many Jai Ram-era officers

Himachal Pradesh may soon undergo a major administrative reshuffle as the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led state government has reportedly finalised a list of officers set to be transferred.
Among the prominent names is Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, who has recently returned from central deputation. Pant is expected to be entrusted with major departments, marking a pivotal shift in the state’s bureaucratic landscape.

The impending reshuffle is not limited to senior IAS and HAS officers and it extends to SDM and DSP-level officers across various districts. Officers who have been stationed at the same location for over three years are slated for transfers, a move aimed at injecting fresh energy into the administration.

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Meanwhile, KK Pant’s return has stirred the race for the next Chief Secretary. The current Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, is due to retire in March 2025. With Pant back in the state, the competition for the coveted position has intensified. Pant, who was on central deputation since 2021, is seen as a strong contender alongside Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma. Both officers are regarded as frontrunners, with speculation rife in the corridors of the state Secretariat.

Himachal Pradesh has not witnessed a major administrative overhaul in a considerable period. Since the current government assumed power, there have been few large-scale transfers of district and divisional-level officers.

Many of the officers presently serving were appointed during the previous BJP government, and some are burdened with additional responsibilities across multiple departments. This has led to delays in file processing, with affected officers urging the government to address their heavy workloads.