Shimla: Senior IAS officer Kamlesh Kumar Pant (K.K. Pant) has been entrusted with the additional charge of Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, becoming the state’s top bureaucrat following the retirement of Sanjay Gupta on May 31, 2026.
The appointment comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the selection of a full-time Chief Secretary, with a panel of five senior IAS officers reportedly under consideration for the coveted post. Sources indicate that K.K. Pant is currently leading the race.
The state government issued orders on Monday assigning Pant the additional responsibility with immediate effect.
K.K. Pant Takes Over After Sanjay Gupta’s Retirement
The post of Chief Secretary fell vacant following the superannuation of Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, on May 31, 2026.
Gupta had been serving as officiating Chief Secretary since October 2025 after the retirement of Prabodh Saxena. Just five days before his retirement, the state government formally elevated him as the regular Chief Secretary.
His appointment had attracted political attention and legal scrutiny, with a petition challenging his earlier appointment pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
With Gupta’s retirement, the government moved quickly to ensure administrative continuity by assigning the charge to K.K. Pant.
Official Notification
According to a notification issued by the Department of Personnel, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla approved the arrangement.
The order stated that Kamlesh Kumar Pant, who is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue)-cum-Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Additional Chief Secretary for Forests, Home and Vigilance, and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, will hold the additional charge of Chief Secretary in addition to his existing responsibilities.
Five Officers Under Consideration for Full-Time Chief Secretary
Even as Pant assumes charge, the process for selecting a regular Chief Secretary remains underway.
According to sources, the Department of Personnel has forwarded a panel of five senior IAS officers from the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
The officers reportedly under consideration are:
- K.K. Pant (IAS: 1993: HP)
- Anuradha Thakur (IAS: 1994: HP)
- Onkar Sharma (IAS: 1994: HP)
- Bharat Khera (IAS: 1995: HP)
- R.D. Nazeem (IAS: 1995: HP)
Among them, Pant is understood to be ahead in the race owing to his seniority and extensive administrative experience.
Who Is IAS K.K. Pant?
Kamlesh Kumar Pant is a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre and currently the senior-most serving bureaucrat in the state.
Widely regarded as an experienced administrator with a clean record and low-profile working style, Pant has served in several important positions at both the state and central levels.
His appointment as Chief Secretary-in-charge marks another significant milestone in a career spanning more than three decades.
Educational Background
Born on December 4, 1970, Pant is an engineering graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.
He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree and joined the Indian Administrative Service as a direct recruit in 1993.
He is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2030, giving him more than four years of service remaining.
Current Responsibilities
Even before assuming the Chief Secretary’s charge, Pant was handling several critical portfolios in the state government.
His current assignments include:
- Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue)
- Financial Commissioner (Revenue)
- Additional Chief Secretary (Forests)
- Additional Chief Secretary (Home)
- Additional Chief Secretary (Vigilance)
- Chairman, Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board
These responsibilities place him at the centre of key governance, law-and-order, environmental and revenue-related matters in the state.
Experience in Himachal Pradesh Administration
Over the years, Pant has held several important positions in the Himachal Pradesh government.
Among his notable field assignments was his tenure as Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kangra, one of the state’s most significant districts.
His experience spans revenue administration, infrastructure, governance, environmental management and public policy implementation.
Distinguished Central Deputation Career
Pant has also accumulated extensive experience while serving on central deputation.
Chairperson, NPPA
One of his most prominent assignments was as Chairperson of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) in New Delhi from August 2021 to August 2024.
During his tenure, he oversaw regulatory decisions concerning drug pricing and pharmaceutical policy.
He later opted for premature repatriation to Himachal Pradesh to avail his promotion as Additional Chief Secretary.
Chief Vigilance Officer, NHAI
Pant served as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), where he handled vigilance and integrity-related matters in one of India’s largest infrastructure organisations.
Joint Secretary, Defence Production
He also served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, gaining valuable experience in strategic manufacturing and defence-sector administration.
Ministry of Finance Experience
Pant additionally worked in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, where he served as Director and dealt with important taxation and revenue-related matters.
Why K.K. Pant Is Seen as a Strong Contender
Pant’s combination of seniority, administrative experience and exposure to both state and central government assignments makes him one of the strongest contenders for the full-time Chief Secretary post.
His experience across finance, defence, pharmaceuticals, highways, vigilance, revenue and home administration provides a broad governance perspective that is often considered valuable for the state’s top bureaucratic position.
With more than four years of service remaining, he also offers continuity in administrative leadership.
What Happens Next?
For now, K.K. Pant will continue to discharge the responsibilities of Chief Secretary in addition to his existing portfolios.
The state government is expected to take a final decision on the appointment of a regular Chief Secretary after evaluating the panel of officers under consideration.
Until then, the senior-most IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre will be responsible for coordinating the state’s bureaucracy and advising the government on key administrative and policy matters.
His appointment ensures continuity at the highest level of the state’s administrative machinery while the search for a full-time Chief Secretary continues.
