Patna: A significant administrative reshuffle appears to be taking shape in Bihar as several senior IAS and IFS officers are likely to move on central deputation in the coming days, amid indications that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may soon shift to Delhi after being elected to the Rajya Sabha.
Sources in administrative circles suggest that internal discussions have intensified over the possible movement of senior officers to the Centre, with the state government reportedly having already given consent on a few names. Final approval from the central government is now awaited.
Officials say the developments reflect the kind of bureaucratic realignment often seen when there is a change in political positioning at the top leadership level.
Senior Officers Under Consideration for Central Deputation
According to sources, the names currently being discussed prominently for central deputation include:
• Anupam Kumar — presently serving as Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office
• B. Rajendra — Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department
• Gopal Singh — Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister
• Pratima S. Verma — Secretary, Science and Technology Department
These names are understood to have emerged after internal consultation at the state level.
State Consent Reportedly Given, Central Approval Awaited
Administrative sources indicate that Bihar has already conveyed its consent for the central deputation of these officers.
The next stage depends entirely on approval from the Union government, after which formal deputation orders may be issued.
In central deputation matters, officers can assume new responsibilities only after receiving formal clearance from the Centre.
Officials said the final decision could come within the next few days if approvals are processed quickly.
Bureaucratic Discussions Intensify in Bihar Administrative Circles
Although there has been no official confirmation from the Bihar government, discussions within the IAS lobby have intensified.
The possibility of multiple senior officers moving to Delhi simultaneously has generated considerable attention within the state bureaucracy, especially because some of the names under discussion currently hold strategically important roles linked directly to governance and policy execution.
Key Officers Hold Sensitive Administrative Roles
The officers being discussed currently occupy critical assignments:
Anupam Kumar in CMO
Anupam Kumar serves in the Chief Minister’s Office and is considered one of the key officers handling core administrative coordination.
B. Rajendra in Education
B. Rajendra currently oversees the Education Department as Additional Chief Secretary, one of Bihar’s most significant administrative portfolios.
Gopal Singh Close to CM Establishment
IFS officer Gopal Singh serves as Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister, a role closely linked to executive coordination.
Pratima S. Verma in Science and Technology
Pratima S. Verma is currently leading the Science and Technology Department and is regarded as a senior officer with substantial policy experience.
Political Transition Often Triggers Administrative Movement
Administrative experts note that major political shifts often trigger corresponding movement in bureaucracy, especially when top political leadership is expected to assume a national role.
Such transitions often lead to:
• Redeployment of trusted officers
• Administrative restructuring
• Fresh appointments in sensitive departments
• Central deputation of experienced officers
This appears to be unfolding in Bihar as well.
Major Administrative Decisions Expected Soon
Sources indicate that once central approval is granted, new posting orders may follow quickly.
This could trigger a broader reshuffle within Bihar’s bureaucracy, as officers moving to Delhi would need replacements in their current departments.
The coming days are therefore expected to be crucial both politically and administratively in Bihar.
