By NSB.News
In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh Government has transferred fourteen IAS and six PCS officers, including several District Magistrates (DMs), late on Tuesday night. Notably, the reshuffle features an ad hoc arrangement for the post of Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC)—a crucial role in the state administration.
Deepak Kumar (IAS: 1990: UP), currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), has been entrusted with the additional charge of Commissioner, Agricultural Production Commission (APC). This temporary arrangement follows the retirement of Monika S. Garg (IAS: 1989: UP) last month, who held the positions of APC, Commissioner, and ACS for Minority Development and Muslim Waqf Department.
The APC post is considered pivotal in the state bureaucracy, and the decision to opt for an ad hoc arrangement has attracted attention in both New Delhi and Lucknow, as it is seen as a prelude to key upcoming administrative decisions—particularly the extension or replacement of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS: 1988: UP), whose term is drawing to a close.
Sources indicate that one of the senior officers in the cadre was initially offered the APC role but politely declined the offer, a decision the government chose to respect.
With the Chief Secretary’s post soon up for decision, two senior bureaucrats are now believed to be in contention:
Shashi Prakash Goyal (IAS: 1989: UP), Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister
Deepak Kumar (IAS: 1990: UP), Additional CS (Finance) and now Commissioner (APC)
Both officers are empanelled for Secretary-level positions in the Government of India, adding further weight to their candidature.
The coming weeks are likely to be crucial for administrative reshuffling at the top, with observers keenly watching who will emerge as the next Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh.