Kamlesh Kumar Pant, a 1993-batch IAS officer, has assumed the role of Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, replacing Sanjay Gupta who retired recently. Pant, the most senior IAS officer, was previously serving as the Additional Chief Secretary of Forests. The Department of Personnel has recommended a panel of five senior IAS officers, including Anuradha Thakur, Onkar Sharma, Bharat Khera, and R.D. Nazeem, to the Chief Minister for the next Chief Secretary appointment.
The outgoing Chief Secretary, Sanjay Gupta, who took charge in 2025, received praise from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his effective service and decision-making during his tenure. Kamlesh Kumar Pant, in addition to his current responsibilities, will now also hold the position of Chief Secretary as per an official notification. Pant wasted no time and immediately convened a meeting with Administrative Secretaries after assuming his new role.
Pant also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan. Despite his new role, Pant will continue overseeing his existing duties alongside his responsibilities as the state’s top bureaucrat.
