IAS Sanjay Gupta elevated to Chief Secretary-Equivalent rank as top post awaits successor
Shimla, Oct 1,
In a major administrative development coinciding with the retirement of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, the Himachal Pradesh Government has issued a notification elevating senior-most bureaucrat Sanjay Gupta, IAS, to the rank of the state’s top administrative post.
While the government has not yet named a formal successor to the Chief Secretary post, which fell vacant on September 30, 2025, the order for Gupta’s posting effectively places him at the apex of the administrative service by guaranteeing him the highest rank.
Official Confirmation of CS Equivalen Status
The Department of Personnel notification, dated September 30, 2025, ensures that Gupta holds the rank equivalent to the Chief Secretary. This move addresses the vacancy created by the superannuation of Saxena, whose service extension ended on Tuesday.
The specific words from the official notification that confirm this elevation are:
“Shri Sanjay Gupta, IAS (HP:1988), shall work under the overall administrative control and supervision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and shall be equivalent in rank, status and responsibility to the post of Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.”
This provision clarifies his high standing, status, and responsibility, although the State Government has publicly confirmed that the process to appoint the new Chief Secretary is still underway, with an announcement expected shortly.
Current Postings
Sanjay Gupta has been transferred from his previous charge as Chairman, H.P. State Electricity Board Ltd. and now holds the following key posts, all with the rank equivalent to the Chief Secretary:
Chairman, H.P. State Pollution Control Board, Shimla (Substantive New Posting)
Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation H.P. Ltd., Shimla (Additional Charge)
The notification states that these orders are with immediate effect and are made in the public interest, placing the senior officer under the direct control and supervision of the Chief Minister.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.