As Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh approaches the end of his tenure on July 31, speculation is mounting over who will occupy one of the most influential positions in the state bureaucracy. With the next Assembly election still two years away, the appointment to this top administrative post is drawing intense attention from political and bureaucratic circles alike.
Singh, a 1988-batch IAS officer, is considered a close and trusted aide of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He was appointed Chief Secretary on June 30, 2024, following the retirement of Durga Shanker Mishra. With his retirement now imminent, sources suggest that the Yogi government is actively lobbying for his service extension, reportedly initiating discussions at multiple levels in New Delhi.
A critical administrative role
The Chief Secretary is more than just an administrative head; the post is central to the seamless functioning of the government and often reflects the CM’s inner circle of trust. As such, the decision on Singh’s continuation carries significant political and administrative implications for the Yogi administration and its alignment with the central government.
Political undercurrents and signals
The debate around the extension has also taken on a political tone. Opposition leaders have interpreted the outcome as a potential indicator of the relationship between the state and the Centre. A senior Congress leader remarked that if Singh is not granted an extension, it could signal unease between Delhi and Lucknow. Conversely, an extension would suggest smooth coordination.
Track record and contributions
During his tenure, Singh has played a prominent role in driving the roadmap for making Uttar Pradesh a $1 trillion economy. His leadership in organizing the Global Investors Summit 2024, overseeing industrial projects, and handling key portfolios such as IIDC Chairman and CEO of UPEIDA has been widely acknowledged.
Precedents and possibilities
Service extensions for Chief Secretaries are not uncommon in UP. Former top bureaucrats like Rajive Kumar, Anup Chandra Pandey, and Durga Shanker Mishra have received similar extensions in the past. This precedent gives the state government some confidence in securing central approval again.
Potential successors in line
If the extension is not granted, several senior officers are in the reckoning. Among them:
- Devesh Chaturvedi (1989 batch IAS): Presently Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare at the Centre. He previously served as District Magistrate of Gorakhpur during Yogi Adityanath’s tenure as MP.
- Shashi Prakash Goyal (1989 batch IAS): Currently Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Civil Aviation and Estate & Protocol Department and seen as a close confidant with a strong grip on the bureaucracy.
- Deepak Kumar (1990 batch IAS): Currently Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) and handling critical departments like Finance and Education. Known for his decisiveness and clean image.
As the July 31 deadline nears, all eyes remain on the corridors of power in Lucknow and Delhi to see whether experience will be retained or a new administrative chapter will begin in Uttar Pradesh.
