Shimla: With officiating Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer belonging to the Himachal Pradesh cadre, set to retire on May 31, 2026, speculation has intensified over who will become the next Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh.
According to sources in the state secretariat, the government is weighing factors such as seniority, administrative experience, and exposure to both state and central assignments before taking a final call on the appointment.
Among the leading contenders are Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Onkar Chand Sharma and Bharat Harbanslal Khera.
K.K. Pant: Senior-Most Officer and Strongest Contender
Kamlesh Kumar Pant, popularly known as K.K. Pant, is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the state’s top bureaucratic post.
A 1993-batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Pant is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue)-cum-Financial Commissioner (Revenue). He also holds the portfolios of Forest, Home and Vigilance, serves as Financial Commissioner (Appeals), and chairs the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board.
Born on December 4, 1970, Pant is a Mechanical Engineering graduate with a B.Tech degree and hails from Uttarakhand.
Mr Pant has over three decades of administrative experience and has held several key positions in both the state and central governments. Most recently, he served as Chairperson of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) from 2021 to 2024. His earlier central assignments include Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, Director in the Department of Revenue, and Chief Vigilance Officer of the National Highways Authority of India(NHAI).
O.C. Sharma: Highly Experienced Administrator with Strong State Credentials
Onkar Chand Sharma, often referred to as O.C. Sharma, is another leading contender.
A 1994-batch IAS officer, Mr Sharma is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Development). He also holds additional charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation Ltd., Shimla.
Born on February 3, 1967, Sharma is a Civil Engineering graduate and a native of Himachal Pradesh. He is known for his extensive administrative experience across departments such as Revenue, Home, Vigilance, Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Ayurveda, and Technical Education.
Mr Sharma has previously served as Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) and Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Vigilance), making him one of the most experienced officers in the state cadre.
Bharat H.L. Khera: Senior Central Bureaucrat with Extensive Delhi Experience
Bharat Harbanslal Khera, a 1995-batch IAS officer, is also being viewed as a strong contender despite currently serving on central deputation.
Khera recently assumed charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.
Born on January 3, 1972, he holds a B.E. (Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and has additional postgraduate qualifications in public administration.
Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Khera has served as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and held senior positions in the Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Defence, and Department of Consumer Affairs.
What About Anuradha Thakur?
Anuradha Thakur, who is senior to Onkar Chand Sharma in the gradation list, is currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India.
Given the significance of her current assignment at the Centre, her return to the Himachal Pradesh cadre appears unlikely in the immediate future.
Decision Expected Before May 31
The Himachal Pradesh government is expected to finalize the appointment in the coming days ahead of Sanjay Gupta’s retirement on May 31, 2026.
While seniority traditionally plays a crucial role in such appointments, administrative experience, political confidence, and availability are also likely to influence the final decision.
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