1988 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, Mr. Lalbiaktluanga (L) Khiangte, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand.
Mr. Khiangte is currently serving as the Director General of the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) with additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary for the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department.
In a surprising development, CM Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government announced the appointment of Mr. Khiangte, on December 6, 2023.
He will replace incumbent Shukhdeo Singh, an IAS officer of 1987 batch. Mr. Singh had previously served as the Principal Secretary to Mr. Soren during his first tenure as Chief Minister in 2013.
Mr. Khiangte is a native of Mizoram and comes from a tribal community. He will be the 24th Chief Secretary of Jharkhand.
Born on 26 October 1964, Mr. Khiangte will retire on 31 October 2024. There are two IAS officers from his batch, among who, Arun Kumar Singh is going to retire on December 31 this year while Alka Tiwari is on central deputation. In terms of seniority to L Khyangte, NN Sinha of Jharkhand cadre is a 1987 batch IAS officer, but he is also on central deputation.
As Mr. Khiangte comes from a tribal community, hence, the name of one more officer from tribal quota has been added to the team of CM Hemant Soren. At present, the Principal Secretary to the CM is Vandana Dadel. Before him, there was Rajiv Arun Ekka, who was removed after a video went viral.
When appointed as Chief Secretary in March 2020, Mr. Singh was expected to complete his term until his retirement in March 2024. But, he has now been transferred and posted as the Director General of ATI.
