Lucknow: In an unexpected development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Shashi Prakash Goyal (IAS: 1989 batch) has gone on sick leave barely two weeks after assuming charge, sparking discussions in administrative and political circles. The government has entrusted all departmental responsibilities to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Deepak Kumar (IAS: 1990 batch) until further orders.
Mr Deepak currently serves as the Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC), typically the second-highest-ranking IAS officer in the agriculture and allied departments, reporting directly to the Chief Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh government.
Mr Goyal had taken over as Chief Secretary on July 31, succeeding Manoj Kumar Singh. The sudden decision to proceed on leave has surprised many, given Mr Goyal’s stature as a long-time trusted officer in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s core administrative team.
Health Concerns Cited as Reason for Leave
According to a statement from the Appointment and Personnel Department, SP Goyal is suffering from a heart-related ailment and has left for Delhi to seek medical attention. He is expected to be on leave for approximately seven days, during which APC Deepak Kumar will oversee all responsibilities associated with the Chief Secretary’s office.
The department clarified, “SP Goyal has gone on medical leave for heart-related treatment in Delhi. During this period, APC Deepak Kumar will discharge the responsibilities of the Chief Secretary.”
Goyal’s Long-Standing Role in CM’s Core Team
Mr Goyal has been a key figure in the CM’s Office for nearly eight years, known for his strategic planning and administrative coordination. Prior to becoming Chief Secretary, he served as Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, overseeing crucial infrastructure and governance portfolios.
His new elevation to Chief Secretary on July 31 had been viewed as a continuation of CM Yogi Adityanath’s trusted leadership framework.
Portfolio Responsibilities Handed Over
In addition to his role as Chief Secretary, IAS Goyal also held several other major responsibilities, including:
- Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner
- Additional Chief Secretary, Coordination Department
- Chairman, PICUP
- Chief Executive Officer, UPDA and UPSHA
- Director, UPDASP
All of these responsibilities are now temporarily assigned to APC Deepak Kumar, a senior officer with experience in multiple administrative domains.
Background of Deepak Kumar
APC Deepak is a 1990 batch IAS officer, who has held several important positions in the state, including Infrastructure, Industrial Development, and Housing departments. His appointment to oversee the Chief Secretary’s charge reaffirms the government’s preference for senior officers with proven administrative capability in times of transition.
