PATNA: Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sanjay Kumar Singh, a 1997-batch officer of the Odisha cadre, may be appointed Principal Secretary to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The Bihar government has requested his inter-cadre deputation from Odisha, and the process is awaiting the required vigilance report.
Singh, who originally belongs to Nalanda district in Bihar, is currently serving as Principal Secretary in the Odisha government’s Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department and Rural Development Department, according to the available information.
The proposed appointment is significant as Singh has previously served in Bihar and worked in the state administration during former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s tenure.
Who Is IAS Sanjay Kumar Singh?
Sanjay Kumar Singh is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1997 batch belonging to the Odisha cadre. Born on October 5, 1971, he hails from Nalanda district in Bihar.
He completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees from the University of Delhi. He is proficient in English, Hindi and Odia.
Singh is currently serving as Principal Secretary in Odisha’s Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department and Rural Development Department in Bhubaneswar, a position he has held since August 3, 2022, according to the information provided.
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Bihar Government Seeks Inter-Cadre Deputation
The Bihar government has requested the Centre to facilitate Singh’s inter-cadre deputation from Odisha to Bihar. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the central government has written to the Odisha government regarding the deputation.
Following Odisha government’s approval, his vigilance report has been sought. Once the report is received and the necessary formalities are completed, Singh is expected to be relieved for his posting in Bihar.
If the process is completed as anticipated, he may take up the role of Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. However, the appointment has not yet been confirmed.
IAS Sanjay Kumar Singh Previously Served in Bihar
Singh has previously served in Bihar on inter-state deputation and worked under the Nitish Kumar-led government for around seven years.
During his tenure in the state, he served as District Magistrate of Patna and Gaya. He was also appointed Special Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office by Nitish Kumar.
His earlier administrative experience in Bihar could be relevant if he returns to the state for the proposed assignment in the Chief Minister’s Office.
IAS Officer Has Held Several Key Administrative Positions
Throughout his career, Sanjay Kumar Singh has held several administrative and leadership positions in government departments and public institutions.
His experience includes roles such as Commissioner, Managing Director, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Additional Secretary, Project Director, Principal Secretary to the government, and Chairman and Managing Director.
His current responsibilities in Odisha’s rural development and Panchayati Raj administration form part of his broader experience in public administration.
Appointment as Principal Secretary to CM Samrat Choudhary
If the proposed appointment goes through, Singh will serve as Principal Secretary to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. His previous experience in the state, including his tenure in the Chief Minister’s Office and his postings as District Magistrate of Patna and Gaya, gives him familiarity with Bihar’s administrative structure.
However, the appointment should be considered proposed until the deputation process is completed and an official order confirming his posting is issued.
Appointment Awaits Completion of Formalities
The proposed appointment of Sanjay Kumar Singh as Principal Secretary to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary remains subject to the completion of the inter-cadre deputation process.
The Centre has initiated the necessary communication with the Odisha government, and the vigilance report is awaited. A final decision on his release and appointment will depend on the completion of the required formalities.
