Chief Secretary Saxena retires, but mystery surrounds his replacement

In a significant administrative shift following the retirement of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, the Himachal Pradesh Government has issued a formal notification elevating senior IAS officer Sanjay Gupta to the highest rank in the state bureaucracy.

Although the government has yet to officially appoint a new Chief Secretary after Saxena’s exit on September 30, 2025, Gupta’s new posting effectively places him at the helm of the administrative hierarchy, granting him the status and responsibilities equivalent to the Chief Secretary.

Official Confirmation of Chief Secretary-Level Status

The Department of Personnel’s notification, dated September 30, confirms Gupta’s elevation. It states:

“Shri Sanjay Gupta, IAS (HP:1988), shall work under the overall administrative control and supervision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and shall be equivalent in rank, status and responsibility to the post of Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.”

This declaration clarifies Gupta’s seniority and authority, even as the formal appointment process for the next Chief Secretary remains underway. An official announcement is expected soon.

New Assignments

Sanjay Gupta has been relieved of his previous role as Chairman of the H.P. State Electricity Board Ltd. and has now taken charge of two key positions, both carrying Chief Secretary-equivalent status:

• Chairman, H.P. State Pollution Control Board, Shimla (Primary Posting)
• Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation H.P. Ltd., Shimla (Additional Charge)

The notification emphasizes that these changes are effective immediately and have been made in the public interest. Gupta will operate under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister, reinforcing his pivotal role in the state’s administrative framework.

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