Lucknow: A significant reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh’s bureaucratic structure is on the cards today, with the retirement of two senior IAS officers from the 1987 batch. Among them is Monica S. Garg, Additional Chief Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), a key figure in the state’s administrative machinery. Joining her in retirement is Arun Singhal, currently serving as Director General of the National Archives of India under the Central Government.
Their exit has triggered intense speculation about the next round of high-level appointments, particularly for the critical post of Agriculture Production Commissioner. Topping the list of potential successors is 1989 batch IAS officer S.P. Goyal, who currently serves as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister. Goyal is considered the frontrunner not only for the APC post but also as a strong contender for the Chief Secretary position once the current Chief Secretary, Manoj Kumar Singh, retires in July 2025 – unless Singh receives an extension.
Goyal’s seniority, proximity to the Chief Minister, and a comparatively long remaining tenure – he retires in January 2027 – strengthen his case. However, the bureaucratic corridors are abuzz with talk of a possible return of 1989 batch IAS officer Devesh Chaturvedi, presently the Agriculture Secretary in the Government of India. If Chaturvedi returns to Uttar Pradesh, he could emerge as a formidable contender for the top post, potentially altering the current equation.
Sources suggest that in such a scenario, Goyal could be considered for a key role outside the mainstream administration, such as heading the Pickup Corporation or Transport Corporation.
Meanwhile, the names of two 1990 batch IAS officers – Himanshu Kumar and Deepak Kumar – are also being discussed for the APC post. Himanshu Kumar is scheduled to retire in October 2025, while Deepak Kumar, with a retirement due in October 2026, enjoys a longer tenure and thus a stronger footing in the race.
The situation remains fluid, as seniority alone does not dictate appointments in Uttar Pradesh. A mix of political alignment, administrative track record, and internal equations often shapes key decisions. The uncertainty surrounding Manoj Kumar Singh’s extension and the potential return of Chaturvedi have made the ongoing succession battle one of the most closely watched developments in the state bureaucracy.
