New Delhi: Following the appointment of Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav (IAS: 1995: AGMUT) as the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, 2026, two senior IAS officers, Ashwani Kumar (IAS: 1992: AGMUT) and Dr Ashish Chandra Verma (IAS: 1994: AGMUT), were transferred to Delhi on October 27, 2026.
The transfers are being viewed as part of an administrative realignment following Dr Yadav’s appointment to the Union Territory’s top bureaucratic post.
Dr Yadav’s appointment has drawn attention because he has superseded more than a dozen IAS officers in the seniority hierarchy.
Senior Officers on Central Deputation Also Overlooked
Among the senior officers superseded by Dr Yadav are Vipul Pathak (IAS: 1992: AGMUT), who is serving as a Secretary in the Government of India, and Navin Choudhary (IAS: 1994: AGMUT), who is also on central deputation.
Dr Yadav’s batchmate, Rohit Kansal, is likewise serving as a Secretary to the Government of India.
Other senior officers who were considered potential contenders for the post include Shaleen Kabra (IAS: 1992: AGMUT), Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, who also holds additional responsibilities related to Revenue and Estates.
Dheeraj Gupta (IAS: 1993: AGMUT), who is serving as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was another officer whose name was associated with the top administrative position.
Other Contenders for the Top Post
Dr Yadav’s batchmate Shailendra Kumar (IAS: 1995: AGMUT) is currently serving as Financial Commissioner/Additional Chief Secretary, Finance. Anil Kumar Singh (IAS: 1995: AGMUT) is serving as Financial Commissioner/Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings).
The latest transfers have fuelled speculation about further changes in the Union Territory’s administrative setup. More officers may be reshuffled in the coming days as the administration aligns responsibilities following the appointment of the new Chief Secretary.
However, any further transfers will depend on official government orders.