Senior IAS officer Dushyant Nariala has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of West Bengal by the Election Commission of India (ECI) shortly after the announcement of the 2026 Assembly election schedule. His appointment came hours after the Model Code of Conduct came into force, replacing outgoing Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty.
The move places a seasoned bureaucrat with over three decades of administrative experience at the helm of the state’s bureaucracy during a crucial election period.
1993-Batch IAS Officer
Dushyant Nariala is a 1993-batch officer of the Indian Administrative Service belonging to the West Bengal cadre. Born on June 2, 1967, he holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.). Known for his administrative experience across multiple departments, Nariala has served in both state-level governance and central government roles.
Fluent in English and Hindi, he has built a long career within the West Bengal administration, handling several key portfolios.
Senior Administrative Roles in West Bengal
Before being appointed Chief Secretary, Nariala was serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the North Bengal Development Department. The department plays an important role in planning and implementing development initiatives across the northern districts of the state.
Over the years, he has held several senior positions in the state government, including Additional Chief Secretary in departments such as Disaster Management and Civil Defence. His work in these roles involved coordinating disaster preparedness and response strategies in a state frequently affected by natural calamities.
He also served as Secretary in the Self-Help Group and Self-Employment Department, where he was associated with initiatives aimed at promoting rural livelihoods and strengthening self-employment programs.
Empanelment for Central Government Role
In recognition of his administrative experience, Nariala was empanelled in 2022 for appointment to the rank of Additional Secretary and equivalent positions in the Government of India. Such empanelment is granted to senior IAS officers considered suitable for top-level responsibilities in the central government.
Promotion to Additional Chief Secretary
In September 2024, Nariala was promoted to the rank of Additional Chief Secretary, one of the highest positions in the state bureaucracy. Following the promotion, he continued to handle key administrative responsibilities within the West Bengal government.
Takes Charge During Election Period
His appointment as Chief Secretary assumes significance as it comes during the election period in West Bengal. The Election Commission typically ensures that senior administrative positions are handled by officers considered neutral and experienced to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
As the state’s top bureaucrat, Nariala will now oversee administrative coordination across departments and play a key role in supporting the conduct of the upcoming Assembly elections.
