New Delhi: In a minor yet significant administrative reshuffle, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya (IAS: 1998: AGMUT) as the Principal Secretary (Home), Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Vaidya replaces senior IAS officer Bipul Pathak (IAS: 1992: AGMUT), who has now been given a new set of responsibilities.
The reshuffle aims to streamline administrative functioning in the Delhi government and strengthen leadership in key departments.
Stop-Gap Arrangement Till Vaidya Assumes Charge
Until Mr Vaidya formally assumes charge as Principal Secretary (Home), the responsibility of the Home Department will be handled as a stop-gap arrangement by Sandeep Kumar (IAS: 1997: AGMUT).
Sandeep Kumar is currently serving as:
Principal Secretary (Vigilance)
Holding additional charge of Principal Secretary (Administrative Reforms)
Principal Secretary (IT)
Chairman, Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB)
Chairperson, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
He will continue to function as Home Secretary till Vaidya takes over.
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Bipul Pathak Appointed Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare)
Senior IAS officer Bipul Pathak (IAS: 1992: AGMUT), who was serving as ACS (Home), has been appointed as Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare) with additional charge of Director, Union Territory Civil Services (UTCS).
Prior to this change, Bipul Pathak was handling several key portfolios, including:
- ACS (Home)
- ACS (Finance)
- ACS (Planning)
- ACS (Industries)
Chairman, Delhi State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC)
The reallocation of responsibilities reflects a rebalancing of critical administrative roles within the Delhi government.
Transfer to Delhi from Jammu & Kashmir Earlier This Month
It is noteworthy that Santosh D. Vaidya was transferred to Delhi from Jammu & Kashmir in the first week of January 2026, along with Sanjeev Khirwar (IAS: 1994: AGMUT), as part of a broader MHA cadre reshuffle.
At the time of transfer, Vaidya was listed as awaiting posting for Delhi, which has now culminated in his appointment as Principal Secretary (Home).
About Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya: A Distinguished Administrative Career
Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya, born on April 14, 1974, is a 1998-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre with a distinguished academic and administrative background. He is fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi and is widely regarded for his expertise in finance, infrastructure, governance reforms, and public policy.
Educational Qualifications
- B.Tech in Instrumentation, IIT Kharagpur
- Awarded the President’s Silver Medal for academic excellence
- M.A. in Economics, IGNOU, Delhi
- Master’s in Public Policy, Johns Hopkins University, USA
UPSC Journey: IPS to IAS
Santosh D. Vaidya’s civil services journey began with his selection to the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1997, securing an All India Rank 12. He underwent probation and training at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad.
In 1998, he successfully transitioned to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and was allotted the AGMUT cadre, marking the beginning of a versatile administrative career spanning states, Union Territories, the Centre, and international institutions.
Key Postings Across States, Centre and Abroad
Arunachal Pradesh (2000–2004)
- Served as Additional Deputy Commissioner and later Deputy Commissioner in remote districts such as West Siang and Lower Dibang Valley
- Worked on land management, food security, and law and order
- Initiated projects for indigenous language scripts and cultural textbooks
Goa (2004–2007)
- Served in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat
- Headed departments of Public Works, Social Welfare, and Education
- Led implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act
- Goa received a National Medal in 2007 for creating barrier-free public infrastructure
Delhi (2007–2013)
- CEO, Delhi Jal Board, overseeing water sector reforms
- Secretary, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
- Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, coordinating anti-poverty programs
Prime Minister’s Office (2013–2016)
- Served as Director, PMO on central deputation
- Handled infrastructure ministries such as Power, Railways, and Roads
- Coordinated PRAGATI video conferences chaired by the Prime Minister
World Bank (2017–2020)
- Served as Senior Advisor to the Executive Director
- Worked on multilateral finance and fiduciary policy in Washington D.C.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2022–2023)
- Served as Commissioner & Managing Director, ANIIDCO
- Oversaw energy, shipping, and infrastructure development
Jammu & Kashmir (2023–2025)
- Principal Secretary, Finance Department
- Led fiscal reforms and handled sensitive financial institutions including J&K Bank
- Held additional charge of the Home Department
- Chairman & MD, Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation Ltd (JKIDFC)
- Director on the Board of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation
Current Role in Delhi Administration
As of January 2026, Santosh D. Vaidya has been appointed Principal Secretary (Home), GNCTD, placing him at the helm of one of the most sensitive and crucial departments in the Delhi administration. His appointment is expected to bring administrative depth, financial prudence, and policy expertise to the Home Department.
