New Delhi: The 1992 batch IAS officer Rajeev Verma, the current Chief Secretary of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, has been allotted the controversial bungalow of Delhi Jal Board located in Jal Vihar area of south Delhi.
According to reports, the senior IAS officer has already moved into the government accommodation and has been residing there for nearly a month.
The bungalow had drawn public attention in 2023 after allegations surfaced that a protected 15th-century structure at the site was demolished to facilitate construction of the residence.
Why the Bungalow Became Controversial
The Jal Board bungalow became controversial when former Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai was issued a show-cause notice by the vigilance department over alleged demolition of a protected monument linked to the site.
Officials had alleged that the structure, identified as a 15th-century protected monument, was removed during construction of the official residence.
The bungalow was reportedly built at a cost of nearly Rs 4 crore on a constructed area of about 700 square metres within a 5,500 square metre plot.
The issue had triggered scrutiny over heritage compliance and use of public land.
How the Bungalow Was Allotted
Delhi government officials said allotment of official accommodation to senior officers is handled by Public Works Department Delhi, which acts as the nodal authority for housing allotment to ministers, senior bureaucrats and constitutional office-bearers.
As Chief Secretary, Rajeev Verma had reportedly not been residing in official accommodation since taking charge because no suitable government house was immediately available.
He was appointed Delhi Chief Secretary in October 2025.
Who Is Rajeev Verma?
Rajeev Verma is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories cadre).
Born on December 12, 1966, he belongs to Uttar Pradesh and is considered one of the senior-most technocrat-administrators in the cadre.
He officially took charge as Delhi Chief Secretary on October 1, 2025, becoming the top bureaucrat of the national capital administration.
Educational Background: IIT-Trained Technocrat
Rajeev Verma has a strong technical and academic profile.
His educational qualifications include:
• B.Tech in Computer Science from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
• M.Tech in Computer Science
• M.A. in Economics
His combination of technology and economics has often been cited as an advantage in handling infrastructure-heavy administrative assignments.
Three Decades of Administrative Experience
Over more than 30 years in service, Rajeev Verma has held several important assignments across Union Territories and the central government.
Key postings in Delhi
• Chief Secretary (October 2025 onwards)
• Finance and Revenue Secretary (2018–2022)
• Principal Commissioner, Housing and Urban Affairs at Delhi Development Authority
• Senior roles in Transport Department, including Chairman and Managing Director
Assignments outside Delhi
• Chief Secretary of Chandigarh
• Chief Secretary of Puducherry
• Adviser to Administrator, Chandigarh
Central Government roles
• Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence
• Assignments in Ministry of Power
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Current Administrative Priorities in Delhi
As Delhi’s top civil servant, Rajeev Verma is currently overseeing major governance challenges including:
• Urban infrastructure coordination
• Centre–Delhi administrative interface
• Pollution control
• Yamuna rejuvenation
• Housing and civic delivery systems
His role is particularly important amid ongoing institutional coordination between Delhi government departments and central agencies.
Fresh Attention on Official Residence
His move into the Jal Vihar bungalow has once again brought attention to the property because of its earlier controversy.
However, officials indicate the allotment follows standard government accommodation procedure through PWD.
