Kolkata: In a historic development for West Bengal’s administrative establishment, the state government on Wednesday appointed senior IAS officer Nandini Chakraborty (IAS:1994:WB) as the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, making her the first woman officer to hold the state’s top bureaucratic post.
Succeeds Manoj Pant After Extended Tenure
IAS Chakraborty succeeds Manoj Pant (IAS:1991:WB), who retired on Wednesday after completing a six-month extension granted by the state government. Pant was originally due to retire in June 2025 but continued in office until December 31, 2025.
Mr Pant had assumed charge as Chief Secretary in September 2024, following the retirement of Bhagwati Prasad Gopalika (IAS:1989:WB).
Senior-Most Officer with Key Administrative Portfolios
At the time of her elevation, Nandini Chakraborty was serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hills Affairs Department, one of the most sensitive and powerful portfolios in the state administration.
She also held additional charge as –
- Additional Chief Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Department
- Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism Department
Her appointment reflects both seniority and strategic trust placed in her by the state’s political leadership.
Extensive Administrative Experience Across Sectors
During her three-decade-long career, Chakraborty has held several key positions in the West Bengal government, spanning governance, industry, security, and development.
Her major assignments have included –
- Additional Chief Secretary, Home & Hills Affairs
- Principal Secretary to the Governor of West Bengal
- Chief Executive Officer, West Bengal Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation
- Managing Director, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation
- District Magistrate, Howrah
- Senior roles in Industry, Information & Cultural Affairs, Sundarban Affairs, Tourism, and Biotechnology
Her wide-ranging administrative exposure has made her one of the most influential officers in the state cadre.
Tenure at Raj Bhavan and Administrative Standoff
Nandini Chakraborty remained in public focus during her tenure as Principal Secretary to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, which witnessed an unusual standoff between Raj Bhavan and the state secretariat.
While the Governor’s office sought her release, the state government initially directed her to continue in the post. The issue escalated until Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intervened and held separate discussions with the Governor.
Subsequently, the state government formally removed Chakraborty from Raj Bhavan and reassigned her as Secretary, Tourism Department, before later entrusting her with the crucial Home and Hills Affairs portfolio in December 2023.
Academic Background and Personal Profile
- Date of Birth: February 5, 1973
- Place of Birth: Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal
Education:
- Undergraduate studies at Lady Brabourne College
- Master’s degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
Awards: Recipient of the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Award (1993) for academic excellence
She comes from a Bengali Hindu family and is unmarried, having chosen to dedicate her life to public service.
Leadership Marked by Resilience
Chakraborty’s career has not been without challenges. Despite facing professional setbacks and politically sensitive assignments, she has consistently demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and administrative firmness.
Her elevation to the post of Chief Secretary is widely seen as a reaffirmation of her experience, credibility, and capacity to manage complex governance challenges.
Significance of the Appointment
By appointing Nandini Chakraborty as Chief Secretary, West Bengal has –
- Broken a major gender barrier in its bureaucratic history
- Ensured continuity and stability in administration
- Placed one of the most sensitive governance roles in the hands of a seasoned and trusted officer
As Chief Secretary, Chakraborty will play a central role in coordinating state administration, advising the political executive, and steering policy implementation across departments.
