Lucknow: In a dramatic turn of events in the Uttar Pradesh bureaucracy, senior IAS officer Aunjaneya Kumar Singh has been granted a seventh consecutive extension in the state, only 48 hours after his formal repatriation to his parent cadre, Sikkim.
The 2005 batch officer, known for his no-nonsense administrative style, had handed over his charge as Commissioner of Moradabad on August 14, after his deputation tenure officially ended. He had proceeded on 60 days’ leave, presumably to prepare for his return to Sikkim.
However, in a last-minute move, the Yogi Adityanath government recommended yet another extension to the Centre – and the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has now approved a one-year extension, marking his 11th year in UP.
Read Also: After 11 Years in UP, IAS Officer Aunjaneya Singh Returns to Sikkim Cadre – Know More About Him
From Sikkim to UP: A Long Deputation Stretch
Mr Singh has served only 8 years in his original cadre Sikkim, but will now complete 11 years in Uttar Pradesh with this extension.
- He was first brought to UP in 2015 on deputation during the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP government, reportedly on the recommendation of senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh.
- Since then, he has become one of the most trusted bureaucrats under CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration.
- The Centre has granted him six extensions earlier – four for one year each, and two for six months each.
This continued presence in UP, despite cadre rules, highlights his political and administrative significance.
The Officer Who Took On Azam Khan
Mr Singh gained national attention during his tenure as DM of Rampur in 2019, when he took strict action against senior SP leader Azam Khan.
- During the 2019 Lok Sabha campaign, Azam had made controversial remarks, “Don’t fear the collector-factor… I’ll make them polish my shoes.”
- Mr Singh, then Rampur Collector, took cognizance of hate speech cases and oversaw a series of legal actions that ultimately led to Azam’s conviction and a 3-year sentence.
- This conviction resulted in Azam losing his MLA seat, with the UP Assembly Speaker disqualifying him.
Mr Singh’s actions were viewed as a watershed moment in administrative assertiveness in UP politics.
Roots in Mau
Mr Singh hails from Salahabad village in Mau district. His father, Dr. Mahendra Singh, retired as Head of the Geography Department and Chief Proctor of DCSK PG College, Mau. His personal and professional journey reflects a blend of strong academic grounding and administrative diligence.
What Lies Ahead: A New Posting Expected
Now with another extension secured, IAS Anjaneya Kumar Singh is expected to be assigned a new high-profile responsibility in Uttar Pradesh. Given his track record, he could once again be placed in a sensitive or strategically important post.
Sources indicate that the Yogi administration continues to see him as a reliable and action-oriented officer, capable of executing tough decisions in politically charged environments.
Read Also: History, Culture, and Commitment: An Exclusive with IAS Aunjaneya Kumar Singh
