Chandigarh: In a late-evening administrative reshuffle on 16-17 April, the office of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has redistributed portfolios among its top bureaucrats, reinforcing the central role of retired IAS officer Rajesh Khullar.
The order, issued on April 16, 2026, outlines a comprehensive allocation of departments within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), with Khullar continuing to hold the most extensive portfolio.
Khullar Retains Command Over 18 Key Departments
Serving as Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister (CPSCM), Rajesh Khullar (Retd. IAS: 1988: HY) has been entrusted with 18 crucial departments, reaffirming his position as the most influential officer in the CMO.
His portfolio includes major departments such as:
- Home
- Finance
- Excise & Taxation
- Vigilance
- Health
- Energy
- Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Irrigation and Water Resources
- Industries and Commerce
- Town and Country Planning
In addition, Khullar will:
- Oversee the overall functioning of the CMO
- Handle legislative matters, including proposals before the Council of Ministers and ordinances
- Manage subjects not allocated to any other officer
This wide-ranging control further consolidates his role as the central decision-making authority in the Saini administration.
Read also: Who Is Raja Sekhar Vundru? Haryana IAS Officer Presented Ambedkar’s Global Vision at UN
Arun Kumar Gupta Holds Second-Largest Portfolio
Arun Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister (IAS: 1992: HY), has been assigned 10 departments, making him the second-most powerful officer in the CMO.
His responsibilities include:
- Civil Aviation
- Environment, Forest and Wildlife
- Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs
- Public Works (B&R)
- Transport
- Urban Local Bodies
- Mines and Geology
- Social Justice and Empowerment
He will also oversee the implementation of Chief Minister’s announcements.
Ajay Kumar Gets Key Role After Vacancy
A key highlight of the reshuffle is the assignment given to Ajay Kumar, a relatively junior IAS officer (2013 batch), recently moved from his role as Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram.
Now serving as Deputy Principal Secretary (DPSCM-II), Ajay Kumar has been given charge of seven departments, including:
- Cooperation
- Elections
- Fisheries
- Women and Child Development
- Foreign Cooperation
- Housing for All
- Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare
He will also:
- Monitor budget announcements
- Oversee flagship and incomplete projects
- Supervise performance under CM Window
- Handle the Kurukshetra Development Board
This portfolio was earlier handled by Saket Kumar, who was removed from the CMO following his name surfacing in the IDFC First Bank fraud case and later shifted to a less significant posting.
Yash Pal Assigned Nine Departments
Yash Pal, serving as Deputy Principal Secretary (DPSCM-I), has been given charge of nine departments, including:
- Development and Panchayats
- Public Health Engineering
- School Education
- Sports
- Architecture and Archives
- Labour
He will also look after the Saraswati Heritage Board.
Other Key Assignments in CMO
- Raj Nehru (OSD to CM): Culture, Higher Education, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
HCS Officers:
- Vivek Kalia: CM Window (1) and Jan Samvaad
- Sudhanshu Gautam: CM Relief Fund, government house allotment, HRDF, HRMS, Online Transfer Policy, Wakf Board
- Rakesh Sandhu: CM Window (2) and grievances
- Narender Pal Malik: CM announcements and administrative matters
Strategic Signal from the Reshuffle
The reshuffle is being seen as a clear signal of continuity and trust in Rajesh Khullar’s leadership within the Haryana CMO. At the same time, the redistribution of portfolios ensures:
- Better administrative coordination
- Clear division of responsibilities
- Filling of gaps created after recent changes
The elevation of younger officers like Ajay Kumar also reflects a blend of experience and new leadership in the CM’s core team.
Read also: Haryana Govt Transfers 2 IAS Officers; Anupama Anjali Named Mahendragarh DC
