Who is the New Chief Secretary of Jharkhand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Avinash Kumar is the new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand.
- He has significant administrative experience.
- His appointment includes additional roles.
- He succeeded Alka Tiwari, whose tenure recently ended.
- His career reflects a strategic choice by the state government.
Ranchi, Sep 30 (NationPress) Avinash Kumar, a senior IAS officer, has officially taken on the role of the new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, following the conclusion of Alka Tiwari's tenure on Tuesday. The state government made the announcement in a formal notification issued by the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Official Language.
This 1993 batch officer of the Jharkhand cadre has not only been appointed to this prestigious bureaucratic position but has also been assigned additional responsibilities.
As per the notification, he will concurrently serve as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and as the Chief Resident Commissioner of Jharkhand Bhavan in New Delhi.
Prior to this appointment, Avinash Kumar held significant roles including Development Commissioner, Chairman and Managing Director of the Jharkhand Energy Development Corporation Limited, and Managing Director of the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited.
After taking charge as Chief Secretary, he had a meeting with Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday evening.
Ajay Kumar Singh, a 1995-batch IAS officer currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare Department, has been entrusted with the additional role of Development Commissioner until further notice, as indicated in the notification.
Avinash Kumar's appointment follows a seniority reshuffle within the state bureaucracy. His predecessor, Tiwari (1988 batch), officially took charge on November 1, 2024, and retired on Tuesday.
With her retirement, the top contender on the seniority list was Shailesh Kumar Singh (1991 batch); however, he is presently on Central deputation as Secretary in the Rural Development Ministry.
Next in line was Nidhi Khare (1992 batch), also on Central deputation. With both senior officers unavailable, Avinash Kumar, who holds the third position in seniority, became the preferred choice.
Other senior officers, including 1995-batch IAS officers Ajay Kumar Singh, Satyendra Singh, and Nitin Madan Kulkarni, were also strong candidates. Nonetheless, the state government ultimately favored Avinash Kumar.