New Delhi: Senior IAS officer Sajjan Singh Yadav has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delhi Jal Board, one of the most important public service institutions in the national capital.
The 1995-batch AGMUT cadre officer has also been given the additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) and Chairperson of the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC).
His appointment comes shortly after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his premature repatriation from the Centre to his parent AGMUT cadre, a move that had triggered considerable speculation in administrative circles.
Appointed CEO of Delhi Jal Board
Following his return to the AGMUT cadre, Dr. Yadav has been entrusted with multiple key responsibilities in the Delhi government.
He has been appointed:
- Additional Chief Secretary and CEO, Delhi Jal Board
- Additional Chief Secretary (Industries)
- Chairperson, DSIIDC
He replaces D Vaidya, who was holding the additional charge of Principal Secretary (Industries) and Chairperson, DSIIDC.
The appointment places Dr. Yadav at the centre of Delhi’s water management, industrial development and infrastructure planning framework.
Why His Repatriation Drew Attention
Dr. Yadav was recently empanelled to hold the rank of Secretary/Equivalent in the Government of India, one of the highest levels in the civil services hierarchy.
On March 31, 2026, he was elevated as Special Secretary, Department of Expenditure in the Union Ministry of Finance.
However, barely two months later, the ACC approved his premature repatriation to the AGMUT cadre. The move surprised many in bureaucratic circles because officers usually continue central assignments after such empanelment and promotion.
His return to Delhi and subsequent appointment as CEO of Delhi Jal Board now explains the significance of that decision.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 5, 1969, Dr. Sajjan Singh Yadav belongs to the 1995 batch of the Indian Administrative Service and was allotted the AGMUT cadre.
Known for his strong academic background, he holds multiple advanced degrees in public administration and finance.
Educational Qualifications
- Master of Public Administration (Economics) from Harvard University
- Master of Public Administration (Public Policy) from Hubert H Humphrey School of Public Affairs
- MBA (Finance) from University of Delhi
His educational credentials have made him one of the most academically accomplished officers in the IAS.
Three-Decade Administrative Career
Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Dr. Yadav has held a wide range of positions in both the Central Government and the AGMUT cadre.
Early Career
His first significant administrative assignment was in Mizoram, where he began his field-level administrative career after joining the IAS.
Central Government Roles
He later served extensively in the Union Government, particularly in the Ministry of Finance.
Over the years, he held positions including:
- Joint Secretary
- Additional Secretary
- Special Secretary, Department of Expenditure
His work focused on public finance, expenditure management and fiscal policy.
Other Key Assignments
During his career, he has also served as:
- Advisor to the Administrator of Daman and Diu
- Advisor to Dadra and Nagar Haveli Administration
- Commissioner
- Secretary
- CEO of various government bodies
- Director and Deputy Secretary in different departments
Previous Association with Delhi Jal Board
Interestingly, Dr. Yadav is not new to the Delhi Jal Board.
Before his latest appointment, he had earlier served in leadership roles associated with the organization, giving him firsthand experience in managing urban water supply systems and infrastructure projects.
His previous exposure to the institution is expected to help him address challenges related to water distribution, infrastructure modernization and service delivery in Delhi.
Author and Public Policy Thinker
Apart from his administrative career, Dr. Yadav is also a published author and policy researcher.
India’s Vaccine Growth Story
His book, India’s Vaccine Growth Story from Cowpox to Vaccine, traces the evolution of India’s vaccine ecosystem and highlights the country’s historical contributions to immunization and public health.
The work gained attention during the COVID-19 period for its research-driven analysis of India’s vaccine journey.
Scaling Mount UPSC
He also authored Scaling Mount UPSC: 7 IAS Officers’ Journeys, a motivational book that chronicles the journeys of civil servants who overcame challenges to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
The book is particularly popular among UPSC aspirants for its insights into preparation strategies and perseverance.
Key Responsibilities Ahead
As CEO of the Delhi Jal Board, Dr. Yadav will oversee:
- Water supply management in Delhi
- Sewerage and wastewater infrastructure
- Urban water conservation initiatives
- Expansion and modernization of water networks
- Service delivery improvements
In his additional roles as ACS (Industries) and Chairperson of DSIIDC, he will also play a key role in industrial policy implementation and infrastructure development in the national capital.
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