Six IAS officers from the Uttar Pradesh cadre have been empanelled for appointment to Secretary and Secretary-equivalent positions in the Government of India, triggering speculation about their possible move to the Centre.
The officers empanelled include 1993-batch Alok Kumar (I); 1994-batch Leena Johri; and 1995-batch officers Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, Santosh Kumar Yadav, Bhuvnesh Kumar, and Sanjay Prasad.
Likely Central Postings
With their empanelment, discussions have intensified regarding their deputation to the Centre. They are now eligible for appointment to Secretary-level and equivalent posts in various Union ministries and departments.
Key Positions Currently Held
Alok Kumar (I) is presently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Industrial Development Department, Uttar Pradesh. Given the state government’s strong push for investment promotion, there is speculation that he may be retained in the state for the time being.
Similarly, Sanjay Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Home Department, may also continue in his current role amid administrative priorities in the state.
Leena Johri is currently Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development Department.
Among the empanelled officers already serving at the Centre, Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan is posted as Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
Bhuvnesh Kumar is serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Santosh Kumar Yadav is currently Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The empanelment enhances their prospects for senior leadership roles in the Union government.
