Himachal Pradesh likely to get new Chief Secretary next month; Senior IAS officers KK Pant, Onkar Sharma in race
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May 15, 2026: The Government of Himachal Pradesh is expected to appoint a new Chief Secretary next month following the retirement of incumbent officiating Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta later this month.
Discussions regarding the appointment of the state’s next top bureaucrat have intensified in administrative and secretariat circles, with the government reportedly evaluating seniority, administrative experience and service record at both the state and central levels before taking a final decision.
Among the frontrunners for the post are Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant and Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma. Sources said KK Pant is considered one of the strongest contenders due to his seniority and extensive experience across multiple departments.
Administrative circles are also discussing the possibility of the government giving preference to seniority while finalising the appointment.
Apart from Pant and Sharma, senior IAS officer Bharat Khera, who is currently serving on central deputation, is also being viewed as a potential candidate for the top administrative post.
There is also speculation that IAS officer Devesh Kumar could be assigned additional charge of the Chief Secretary’s office, depending on the government’s final decision.
The Chief Secretary is regarded as the highest-ranking bureaucratic position in the state administration and serves as the principal advisor to the Chief Minister while coordinating the functioning of all government departments.
Sources indicated that the state government may take a final decision on the appointment in the coming days.