Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government has carried out a major administrative reshuffle involving 17 IAS officers, bringing changes across several key departments and field-level assignments.
One of the most significant developments is the end of the extended tenure of Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, the 2005-batch Sikkim-cadre IAS officer who served as Moradabad Divisional Commissioner for more than five years.
Singh, who became known for his administrative action against former Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan during his tenure as District Magistrate of Rampur, has not received another extension after his latest tenure ended on August 14, 2026.
He has now been relieved from the Uttar Pradesh government, paving the way for his return to his parent Sikkim cadre.
Meanwhile, Sangeeta Singh, a 2009-batch Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer, has been appointed the new Divisional Commissioner, Moradabad.
The reshuffle also sees significant changes involving UP Jal Nigam (Rural), AYUSH, Rural Development, Cooperation, Revenue, Higher Education and Urban Development.
Sangeeta Singh Appointed Moradabad Divisional Commissioner
Sangeeta Singh, who was serving as Divisional Commissioner, Aligarh, has been transferred and appointed Divisional Commissioner, Moradabad.
She replaces Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, whose extended tenure in Uttar Pradesh came to an end on August 14.
Sangeeta Singh is a 2009-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and has held several important administrative assignments in the state.
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Her appointment comes at a significant administrative transition in Moradabad following Singh’s departure after more than five years as divisional commissioner.
Om Prakash Arya Gets Aligarh Division
In another important divisional-level change, Om Prakash Arya, who was serving as Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj, has been appointed Divisional Commissioner, Aligarh.
The appointment fills the vacancy created by Sangeeta Singh’s transfer to Moradabad.
The latest reshuffle therefore brings changes at both Aligarh and Moradabad divisional commissionerates.
Aunjaneya Kumar Singh Denied Eighth Extension
The reshuffle also effectively confirms that Aunjaneya Kumar Singh will not receive an eighth extension in Uttar Pradesh.
The 2005-batch Sikkim-cadre IAS officer had been serving in Uttar Pradesh on deputation and had received multiple extensions over the years.
His latest extension ended on August 14, 2026. On August 15, he handed over charge as Moradabad Divisional Commissioner to Moradabad DM Rajendra Pensia and proceeded on two months’ leave.
With no further extension granted, Singh has been relieved by the state government, clearing the way for his repatriation to the Sikkim cadre.
According to reports, Singh is now seeking a posting as Sikkim’s Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, although such a posting has not been officially announced.
Gauri Shankar Priyadarshi Gets AYUSH Charge
Another major change concerns the AYUSH Department.
Gauri Shankar Priyadarshi, who was serving as Commissioner, Rural Development and Secretary, Rural Development Department, has been appointed Director General, AYUSH, as well as Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission, Uttar Pradesh.
His appointment comes as the government reorganises responsibilities in the AYUSH and rural development sectors.
Following the reshuffle, the Rural Development Department has also received a new senior officer.
Pramod Kumar Upadhyay Appointed Commissioner, Rural Development
Pramod Kumar Upadhyay, who was serving as Secretary, Social Welfare Department, has been transferred and appointed Commissioner, Rural Development, Uttar Pradesh.
The appointment gives Upadhyay responsibility for the state’s rural development administration.
His new role follows Gauri Shankar Priyadarshi’s movement from Rural Development to the AYUSH department.
Dr Rajasekhar Removed From UP Jal Nigam (Rural)
One of the other significant changes involves Dr Rajasekhar, a 2004-batch Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer.
Rajasekhar has been removed as Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural) and appointed Secretary, Planning Department, along with Director General, Economics and Statistics.
His removal from Jal Nigam (Rural) comes amid reports of complaints relating to the implementation of the Har Ghar Nal scheme in rural areas.
There were also reports of differences between Rajasekhar and Jal Shakti Minister Swatantradev Singh over his working style.
Reports have further suggested that he did not have a smooth working relationship with the department’s Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Srivastava.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also reportedly expressed displeasure during a recent meeting.
However, these reported reasons should be treated as background to the reshuffle unless officially confirmed by the state government.
Yogesh Kumar Gets UP Jal Nigam (Rural) Responsibility
Rajasekhar’s replacement at UP Jal Nigam (Rural) is Yogesh Kumar, who was serving as Commissioner and Registrar, Cooperation.
Yogesh Kumar has now been appointed Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural).
The appointment comes at a time when the rural water supply programme remains a major administrative priority for the state.
Chaitra V Shifted to Revenue Council
Chaitra V, who was serving as Director General, AYUSH and Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission, has been transferred and appointed Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj.
Her movement follows Gauri Shankar Priyadarshi’s appointment to the AYUSH leadership.
Reports have suggested that differences had developed between Chaitra V and Principal Secretary Ranjan Kumar, as well as Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, over her working style.
The matter was also reportedly brought to the attention of the Chief Minister.
However, the government order itself does not establish any specific reason for her transfer.
Chaitra V’s Earlier Controversy
Chaitra V had attracted public attention in August 2025 after she accused Lucknow hotel businessman Naren Raj of mentally harassing her.
She had lodged an FIR at Alambagh police station, alleging that the businessman repeatedly harassed her and pressured her to introduce him to prominent hotel entrepreneurs.
Police registered a case based on her complaint and began an investigation.
Her latest transfer is unrelated to that earlier matter unless officially stated otherwise.
Amrit Pal Kaur Gets Key Sugar Mills Assignment
The reshuffle also brings a significant appointment amid reports of a sugar shortage in Uttar Pradesh.
Amrit Pal Kaur, a 2019-batch IAS officer who was awaiting posting, has been appointed Joint Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Sugar Mills Federation Limited.
The government has also withdrawn the additional charge of Joint Managing Director of the federation from Navneet Sehra, Additional Excise Commissioner.
Kaur’s appointment comes at a time when the state is facing reports concerning sugar availability, making the cooperative sugar mills portfolio particularly significant.
Who Is IAS Amrit Pal Kaur?
Amrit Pal Kaur is a 2019-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
She is originally from Nanowal Khurd village in Gurdaspur district, Punjab.
Kaur secured 44th rank nationally in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018 and was subsequently selected for the Indian Administrative Service in the 2019 batch.
She was allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre and has now been given a key responsibility in the state cooperative sugar sector after a period of awaiting posting.
Kumar Prashant Appointed Cooperative Commissioner
Another major change has been made in the Cooperative Department.
Kumar Prashant, who had been serving as Secretary, State Information Commission, has been appointed Commissioner and Registrar, Cooperation.
His new assignment places him at the head of the state’s cooperative administrative machinery.
In a corresponding move, Gurrala Srinivasulu, Secretary of the Secretariat Administration Department, has been transferred and appointed Secretary, State Information Commission.
Ravindra Kumar Relieved of Additional Jal Nigam Charge
Ravindra Kumar, who is serving as Secretary, Urban Development Department, has been relieved of the additional charge of:
- Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban)
- State Mission Director, AMRUT
Masoom Ali Sarwar has been given additional charge of both posts.
Sarwar has been relieved of his additional charge as Secretary, Planning Department following Dr Rajasekhar’s appointment to that department.
Higher Education and Revenue Council Changes
The reshuffle also includes important changes between the Higher Education Department and the Revenue Council.
Amrit Tripathi, Secretary, Higher Education Department, has been appointed Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj.
Meanwhile, Om Prakash Rai, who was serving as Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj, has been transferred and appointed Special Secretary, Higher Education Department.
These changes create a reciprocal movement between the Revenue Council and the Higher Education Department.
Vivek Srivastava Shifted to Animal Husbandry
Vivek Srivastava, who was serving as Secretary, Lucknow Development Authority, has been transferred and appointed Special Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department.
His movement is part of the broader departmental reallocation of senior officers.
Devendra Kumar Pandey Gets Consumer Affairs
Devendra Kumar Pandey, who was serving as Special Secretary in the Agriculture Production Commissioner Branch, has been transferred and appointed Special Secretary, Consumer Affairs Department.
The appointment gives him responsibility in another key state department.
Complete List of Major IAS Transfers
- Sangeeta Singh, IAS (2009, UP) — Divisional Commissioner, Aligarh → Divisional Commissioner, Moradabad.
- Om Prakash Arya, IAS — Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj → Divisional Commissioner, Aligarh.
- Gauri Shankar Priyadarshi, IAS — Commissioner, Rural Development and Secretary, Rural Development Department → Director General, AYUSH and Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission.
- Pramod Kumar Upadhyay, IAS — Secretary, Social Welfare Department → Commissioner, Rural Development.
- Dr Rajasekhar, IAS (2004, UP) — MD, UP Jal Nigam (Rural) → Secretary, Planning Department and Director General, Economics & Statistics.
- Yogesh Kumar, IAS — Commissioner and Registrar, Cooperation → MD, UP Jal Nigam (Rural).
- Chaitra V, IAS — DG, AYUSH and Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission → Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj.
- Amrit Pal Kaur, IAS (2019, UP) — Awaiting posting → Joint Managing Director, UP Cooperative Sugar Mills Federation.
- Kumar Prashant, IAS — Secretary, State Information Commission → Commissioner and Registrar, Cooperation.
- Gurrala Srinivasulu, IAS — Secretary, Secretariat Administration Department → Secretary, State Information Commission.
- Ravindra Kumar, IAS — Secretary, Urban Development; relieved of additional charge of MD, UP Jal Nigam (Urban) and State Mission Director, AMRUT.
- Masoom Ali Sarwar, IAS — Given additional charge of MD, UP Jal Nigam (Urban) and State Mission Director, AMRUT; relieved of additional charge of Secretary, Planning.
- Vivek Srivastava, IAS — Secretary, Lucknow Development Authority → Special Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department.
- Amrit Tripathi, IAS — Secretary, Higher Education Department → Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj.
- Om Prakash Rai, IAS — Member (Judicial), Revenue Council, Prayagraj → Special Secretary, Higher Education Department.
- Devendra Kumar Pandey, IAS — Special Secretary, Agriculture Production Commissioner Branch → Special Secretary, Consumer Affairs Department.
- Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, IAS (2005, Sikkim) — Relieved following completion of deputation/extension in Uttar Pradesh; return to parent Sikkim cadre.
Who Is IAS Aunjaneya Kumar Singh?
Aunjaneya Kumar Singh is a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Sikkim cadre who has spent a substantial part of his career on deputation in Uttar Pradesh.
He was brought to Uttar Pradesh during the Akhilesh Yadav government, reportedly at the request of then senior BJP leader and current Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Over the years, he received seven extensions that enabled him to continue serving in Uttar Pradesh.
Despite belonging to the Sikkim cadre, Singh has spent a relatively small portion of his career in his parent cadre compared with his long stint in Uttar Pradesh.
His overall tenure in Uttar Pradesh has now crossed 11 years, while he has spent roughly eight years in the Sikkim cadre.
Singh’s Role in Rampur and Azam Khan Action
Aunjaneya Kumar Singh came into the spotlight during his tenure as District Magistrate of Rampur.
He served as Rampur DM during the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign, a period when the district was witnessing intense political activity involving senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan.
During Singh’s tenure, the administration took several strict actions against Khan and his associates.
Azam Khan had also made controversial remarks about the then Rampur District Magistrate during the election campaign.
Subsequently, Khan faced several legal cases and was convicted in a hate-speech case, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Singh’s administrative actions during his Rampur tenure contributed to his reputation as an officer who took a firm approach in politically sensitive situations.
Five Years and Five Months as Moradabad Commissioner
Singh subsequently served as Divisional Commissioner, Moradabad, from March 6, 2021, to August 14, 2026.
This amounts to approximately five years and five months in the post.
His extended tenure made him one of the longest-serving divisional commissioners in the region in recent years.
After his latest extension expired, he handed over the charge to Moradabad District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia on August 15.
He then proceeded on two months’ leave while awaiting the next step regarding his return to the Sikkim cadre.
What the UP Reshuffle Means
The latest reshuffle is significant not only because of its size but also because it affects several sensitive and high-profile administrative portfolios.
The changes at Moradabad and Aligarh divisions mark the end of Aunjaneya Kumar Singh’s extended tenure in Uttar Pradesh and bring Sangeeta Singh into the Moradabad commissionerate.
At the departmental level, the government has also made major changes in Jal Nigam, AYUSH, Rural Development, Cooperation, Planning, Revenue, Higher Education, Urban Development and Animal Husbandry.
The movement of Dr Rajasekhar from UP Jal Nigam (Rural), the appointment of Amrit Pal Kaur in the Cooperative Sugar Mills Federation and the shifting of Chaitra V to the Revenue Council are among the more closely watched changes.
For Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, however, the reshuffle marks the end of a long and unusual stint in Uttar Pradesh. After receiving seven extensions, the 2005-batch Sikkim-cadre officer has now been relieved from the state and is expected to return to his parent cadre, unless a fresh arrangement is made.
