Shimla: In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Himachal Pradesh Government issued transfer orders late Tuesday, soon after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu returned to Shimla. The move affected three IAS officers, one IPS officer, and one IFS officer, sparking buzz across bureaucratic and political circles — particularly as it coincided with the retirement of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena.
The transfer orders, issued and signed by Mr Saxena just before his retirement, were implemented with immediate effect and have stirred movement at senior levels in key departments, ahead of the Vijayadashami festival.
Key Appointments and Role Changes
Rakhil Kahlon
- Previously: Secretary (Digital Technology and Governance) and holding additional charge of Secretary (Water Power Department)
- Now Appointed As: Secretary, Jal Shakti Department (Water Power Department)
This change relieves him of the digital governance portfolio, focusing his charge solely on the Water Power Department.
Ashish Singhmar
- Previously: Secretary (Social Justice and Empowerment)
- Now Appointed As: Secretary (Digital Technology and Governance)
Singhmar takes over the department vacated by Rakhil Kahlon, signifying a strategic switch in portfolios between the two officers.
Zafar Iqbal
- Currently: Commissioner, Dharamshala Municipal Corporation and CEO of Dharamshala Smart City
- Additional Charge Assigned: Managing Director of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Ltd.
This change relieves Sandeep Kumar of his additional responsibilities at the bank.
Abhishek Trivedi (IPS Officer)
- Now Appointed As: Secretary (Social Justice and Empowerment)
Replaces Ashish Singhmar in this department, bringing in police leadership into the social justice portfolio.
Sushil Kumar Singla (IFS Officer)
- Now Appointed As: Secretary (Environment, Science, Technology, and Climate Change)
This appointment is part of the state’s ongoing push to strengthen environmental governance.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena Retires After 6-Month Extension
The administrative reshuffle coincided with the retirement of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, who completed his extended term on September 30. Saxena was originally due to retire on March 31, 2025, but was granted a rare six-month extension by the state government.
A farewell ceremony was organized for Saxena at the State Secretariat in Shimla on Tuesday, where he was lauded for his service and leadership.
Who Will Be the Next Chief Secretary?
With Saxena’s exit, the race for the next Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh has intensified. Senior IAS officers Sanjay Gupta and KK Pant are currently the frontrunners for the top bureaucratic position. A formal announcement is expected soon.
Political and Administrative Significance
The timing of the reshuffle — right after the CM’s return and on the eve of a major festival — is seen as a signal of tight administrative control and urgency in preparing for upcoming governance priorities. The swift changes, particularly in crucial departments like Water Power, Digital Governance, and Social Justice, suggest a recalibration of focus areas for the state government in the coming months.
