The state of Jharkhand has welcomed senior IAS officer Alka Tiwari as its new Chief Secretary, following her appointment with the consent of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Ms Tiwari, an IAS officer of the 1988 batch from Jharkhand, succeeds L Khiangte, who retired on October 31, 2024.
Ms Tiwari returns to the state after serving as the Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Her extensive experience in governance positions her well as Jharkhand gears up for upcoming elections. With a tenure potentially extending until her superannuation on September 30, 2025, Tiwari is expected to play a pivotal role in managing the state’s administrative functions during this crucial period.
Interestingly, Ms Tiwari follows in the footsteps of her husband, Devendra Kumar Tiwari, a retired IAS officer of the 1986 batch, who previously held the position of Chief Secretary in Jharkhand and later served as the State Election Commissioner. Additionally, her brother-in-law, Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, an IAS officer of the 1985 batch from Uttar Pradesh, also served as Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh from August 30, 2019, to December 30, 2021.
The appointment of Alka Tiwari is seen as a significant step for Jharkhand as it prepares for the electoral challenges ahead, ensuring experienced leadership during a pivotal time for the state.
