Shimla, Oct. 1 — Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena retired today, bringing an end to his extended tenure, though the government has not yet announced his successor. Saxena, who was originally scheduled to retire on March 31, received a six-month extension before stepping down.
He was bid farewell at the State Secretariat, where he lauded the state’s progress since its formation. “Himachal Pradesh has achieved remarkable development owing to the collective efforts of its people, leadership, officers, and employees,” Saxena said. He praised the dedication of state employees who consistently delivered services despite adverse conditions and described the people of the state as hardworking and honest, extending his best wishes for their well-being.
Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant felicitated Saxena, acknowledging his contributions to the state, while Secretary of Secretariat Administration Rakesh Kanwar welcomed him on the occasion.
The frontrunners for the Chief Secretary post include 1988-batch IAS officer Sanjay Gupta, the senior-most bureaucrat due to retire next year. Other contenders are Additional Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant (1993 batch), retiring in 2030, and Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma (1994 batch), who is due to retire in 2027.
