The Government of Assam has reappointed retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer M. K. Yadava (1989 batch) as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) for another six months, reigniting controversy over his continued tenure in a key administrative post.
The decision was approved by the Assam Cabinet in its meeting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. His re-engagement will be effective from May 12, 2026, and includes full financial and administrative powers.
Remuneration and Terms of Appointment
According to the official order, Yadava’s remuneration will be fixed based on the last pay and allowances drawn at the time of superannuation, minus pension benefits.
His appointment will be governed by Personnel Department office memorandums issued on July 18, 2018, and February 16, 2024.
Second Extension After Retirement in 2024
M. K. Yadava originally retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) on February 29, 2024.
However, he was first re-engaged as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) in March 2024, shortly after retirement. His tenure was later extended again by the Cabinet in February 2025, and now he has received another six-month extension in 2026.
Panel of Officers Considered Before Reappointment
Sources indicated that the Personnel Department had recommended a panel of three officers for the post, including Yadava and two senior Indian Administrative Service officers.
Despite multiple allegations raised against him, the government decided to retain Yadava in the role.
Controversy Over Continued Engagement
The continuation of M. K. Yadava has triggered criticism from various quarters, especially due to allegations linked to decisions taken during his tenure.
Critics have questioned repeated extensions, citing concerns over administrative propriety and governance norms.
The issue gained further attention after the previous Assam government reportedly ceased to function following Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s resignation on May 6, 2026.
Allegations and Past Scrutiny
Yadava has previously faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities and controversial decisions related to forest administration, including forest land diversion approvals during his tenure.
Opponents argue that his continued reappointment raises questions about transparency and accountability in senior bureaucratic postings.
Government Defends Administrative Decision
The Assam government has not issued a detailed public statement beyond the official order, but the appointment reflects continued confidence in his administrative experience in managing forest-related governance.
About MK Yadava
Mahendra Kumar Yadava (M. K. Yadava) is a retired 1989-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre who currently serves as the Special Chief Secretary for the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department in Assam. Over his multi-decade career, Yadava held pivotal roles, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam, and Director of Kaziranga National Park. Uniquely combining forestry with technology, he also served two extensive terms as the Managing Director of the Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (AMTRON).
In this capacity, he modernized wildlife protection by pioneering the Electronic Eye (e-Eye) surveillance system, drone-based tracking, and advanced geographic information system (GIS) mapping to combat rhino poaching and manage forest boundaries.
Despite his technical milestones, Yadava’s career is heavily marked by high-profile legal and administrative controversies. Following his official retirement on February 29, 2024, the Assam government repeatedly extended his service as Special Chief Secretary, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties who labeled the powerful post-retirement extensions a violation of central personnel guidelines.
Furthermore, he faced severe scrutiny from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for illegally diverting dozens of hectares of protected forest land in Hailakandi and Sivasagar to build state police commando battalion complexes without statutory clearance. He was also stripped of his Chief Wildlife Warden title following allegations that he diverted Tiger Conservation Funds to cover unauthorized hospitality expenses for visiting dignitaries, leaving a deeply polarized professional legacy.
