K.K. Pant, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been assigned the additional charge of Chief Secretary for Himachal Pradesh. This appointment follows the retirement of the previous incumbent, Sanjay Gupta.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Pant is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Forests, and is the senior-most IAS officer in the state cadre. His current role now extends to overseeing the administrative functions of the Chief Secretary’s office.
The Himachal Pradesh Department of Personnel had previously forwarded a panel of five senior IAS officers to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for consideration for the position of the regular Chief Secretary. The panel included K.K. Pant, Anuradha Thakur, and Onkar Sharma, all from the 1994 batch, alongside Bharat Khera and R.D. Nazeem, both from the 1995 batch.
Among the officers in the panel, Anuradha Thakur and Bharat Khera are currently serving on central deputation. Pant, Thakur, and Sharma are among the three officers serving within Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister’s decision regarding the appointment of a regular Chief Secretary or the continuation of an acting arrangement, similar to the tenure of Sanjay Gupta, was keenly anticipated.
Sanjay Gupta, who belonged to the 1988 batch of IAS officers, had been serving as the Acting Chief Secretary since October 1, 2025. He was subsequently elevated to the position of regular Chief Secretary on May 26, just five days prior to his retirement on Sunday. His tenure marked a period of transition in the state’s administrative leadership.
The administrative head of a state, the Chief Secretary, plays a pivotal role in the state government’s functioning. This position is crucial for coordinating the activities of various government departments and implementing policies. The appointment process typically involves careful consideration of seniority, administrative experience, and the overall needs of the state government.
The Himachal Pradesh government will be looking to ensure continuity and stability in its administrative machinery with this interim arrangement. K.K. Pant’s extensive experience as a senior IAS officer is expected to provide a steady hand in managing the state’s affairs during this period. Further decisions regarding a permanent appointment are anticipated, which will shape the future leadership of the state secretariat.
The Chenab Times News Desk