Guwahati: A fresh controversy has erupted in Assam over the continuation of retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer M.K. Yadava as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) even after the tenure of the Assam government officially ended with the resignation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 6, 2026.
Yadava’s ongoing presence in office has triggered serious questions because the Assam Government’s Personnel Department had explicitly stated in its appointment order that his tenure would be “co-terminus with the current term of the State Government.”
Despite the end of the government’s tenure, sources say Yadava continues to function from his office in Dispur and is still issuing directions to Forest Department officials.
Why the Controversy Has Emerged
The controversy stems from an official order issued by the Personnel Department on February 21, 2025, which extended Yadava’s re-engagement as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) with effect from March 1, 2025.
The order clearly stated:
“M.K. Yadava, IFS (Retd.), Special Chief Secretary (Forest) is re-engaged as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) w.e.f. 01-03-2025 and co-terminus with the current term of State Government.”
Since Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned on May 6, 2026, paving the way for the formation of a new government, critics argue that Yadava’s tenure should have automatically come to an end on the same date.
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Yadava Reportedly Continues to Hold Office
Notwithstanding the expiry of the government’s term, Yadava is reportedly continuing in office and exercising administrative authority.
According to sources:
- He is still attending office in Dispur.
- He continues to issue instructions to senior Forest Department officials.
- He is lobbying for another reappointment after the new government is sworn in.
Sources further revealed that the Personnel Department has reportedly forwarded a panel of three names for consideration, including Yadava and two IAS officers, for the post.
First Re-engaged After Retirement in 2024
M.K. Yadava retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) on February 29, 2024.
Soon after his retirement, the Assam Governor re-engaged him as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) for one year in March 2024.
The Assam Cabinet subsequently approved another extension in February 2025, allowing him to continue in the position beyond his initial tenure.
Opposition Had Earlier Objected to Re-engagement
Yadava’s reappointment had drawn sharp criticism from Opposition parties, particularly the Assam Congress, which termed the move:
- Politically motivated
- Legally questionable
- Contrary to central service norms
Opposition leaders argued that appointing a retired All India Service officer to a senior administrative post with full executive and financial powers was highly unusual and potentially inconsistent with established service rules.
Forest Land Diversion Cases Under Scrutiny
Yadava has also faced scrutiny over several controversial forest land diversion decisions during his tenure.
44 Hectares Diverted in Hailakandi
In one major case, Yadava allegedly approved diversion of approximately 44 hectares of forest land in Hailakandi district in 2023 for establishing a commando battalion near the Assam-Mizoram border without obtaining mandatory prior clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The matter later came under examination by:
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- Union Environment Ministry
In 2024, the Ministry issued a show-cause notice to Yadava for alleged violations of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
28 Hectares Diverted in Geleky Reserve Forest
In another case, Yadava allegedly approved diversion of 28 hectares of forest land in the Geleky Reserve Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border in 2022 for a police battalion camp, again without prior central approval.
The Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry later imposed substantial penalties on the Assam Government, including:
- Payment of five times the standard Net Present Value (NPV)
- 12% simple interest
Union Ministry Reportedly Directed Legal Action
Sources claim that in July 2025, the Union Environment Ministry directed the Assam Government to initiate legal action against Yadava in connection with alleged violations of forest conservation laws related to these land diversion cases.
However, no formal action has reportedly been taken so far.
Political and Administrative Implications
The continuation of M.K. Yadava in office despite the apparent expiry of his tenure has reignited debates over:
- Post-retirement appointments of senior officers
- Administrative propriety
- Service norms and legal validity
- Accountability in forest governance
The issue has become particularly significant because of the pending allegations involving forest land diversion and the reported efforts to secure yet another reappointment.
What Happens Next?
The matter is now expected to be reviewed by the incoming Assam government, which will decide whether:
- Yadava’s continuation was legally valid;
- A fresh appointment order should be issued;
- Another officer should be appointed to the post; or
- Further action should be initiated regarding the pending environmental cases.
Until then, the controversy is likely to continue raising questions about governance and administrative accountability in Assam.
