Will Yogi’s Most Trusted Chief Secretary Stay? UP Govt Seeks Extension Of Manoj Kumar Singh’s Tenure

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 14:25 IST

Singh’s elevation to the post of CS had signaled a shift in the power dynamics between Lucknow and New Delhi, with the CM taking a more assertive role in bureaucratic postings.

Manoj Kumar Singh is a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. (Image: PTI)

Will Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh continue at the helm beyond July 31? This question is currently resonating through Uttar Pradesh’s administrative corridors as the Yogi Adityanath government has formally requested the Centre for a six-month extension in Singh’s service. A 1988-batch IAS officer, Singh assumed the role of Chief Secretary on June 30, 2024, following the retirement of Durga Shankar Mishra.

Just weeks into his tenure, the government has advocated for his continuation, highlighting the necessity for administrative continuity as the state prepares for significant economic and infrastructure events.

Citing Economic Priorities and Investor Events

In its communication to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the UP government underscored Singh’s crucial role in advancing infrastructure, industrial development, and investment-related initiatives. The letter mentions Singh’s leadership in preparations for the upcoming Global Investors Summit and the Ground Breaking Ceremony scheduled later this year. Officials familiar with the matter stated that the government views Singh as essential to maintaining momentum in its mission to transform Uttar Pradesh into a one trillion-dollar economy. A senior official recalled that in 2019, then Chief Secretary Anup Chandra Pandey was granted a six-month extension for similar reasons, indicating a clear precedent.

Singh Holding Multiple Strategic Positions

Manoj Kumar Singh currently manages several significant roles apart from being Chief Secretary. He is also serving as the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC), Chairman of PICUP, CEO of UPEIDA and UPSHA, and Project Director of the Diversified Agriculture Support Project (DASP). His experience in vital departments like urban development, rural development, agriculture, and panchayati raj has earned him widespread respect within the bureaucracy. His multi-dimensional role, officials argue, positions him uniquely to oversee the upcoming high-level state initiatives.

Who is Manoj Kumar Singh?

Manoj Kumar Singh is a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. Known for his administrative acumen and low-profile working style, Singh is considered one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s most trusted officers. Before his appointment as Chief Secretary in June 2024, he held key posts including Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC), CEO of UPEIDA and UPSHA, and Chairman of PICUP. His leadership has been central to the state’s expressway expansion, industrial corridors, and investor outreach. Singh has previously served as Agriculture Production Commissioner and held important assignments in Panchayati Raj, Urban Development, and Rural Development. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in advancing the state’s one trillion-dollar economy goal. Colleagues describe him as result-oriented, calm under pressure, and politically astute without being overtly visible – traits that have earned him rare trust across both political and bureaucratic domains.

First Chief Secretary Appointed Solely by Yogi

What distinguishes Singh from his predecessors is the political context of his appointment. This marks the first time in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s seven-year rule that the state’s top bureaucrat is widely regarded as his own choice. In contrast, previous appointments – Rajiv Kumar, Anup Chandra Pandey, RK Tiwari, and Durga Shankar Mishra – were largely considered Centre-endorsed decisions. Singh’s elevation to the post signaled a shift in the power dynamics between Lucknow and New Delhi, with the CM taking a more assertive role in bureaucratic postings.

Centre’s Recent Precedents Boost Singh’s Chances

Observers point to recent developments in other states to suggest that Singh’s extension is likely. The Centre recently granted six-month extensions to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, both serving under opposition-ruled state governments. Given these decisions, many believe that a recommendation from a BJP-ruled state like Uttar Pradesh stands an even stronger chance of approval. “If the Centre can extend tenures in non-BJP states, it would make sense to support a key officer in its own party’s stronghold," a senior bureaucrat remarked.

Academic View: Extension Tied to Political Stakes

Commenting on the significance of the move, Professor Shashikant Pandey, Head of the Department of Political Science at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, said, “This extension request goes beyond mere administrative convenience. Manoj Kumar Singh is a politically trusted officer for CM Yogi, and allowing him to continue reinforces the CM’s hold over the bureaucracy – especially when UP is gearing up for major economic showcases." According to him, the decision will reflect the evolving power balance between state leadership and the Centre within BJP-governed states.

Pending Bureaucratic Reshuffle Hinges on the Decision

The decision on Singh’s extension will have a cascading effect on the state’s bureaucratic machinery. A top-level reshuffle – expected for weeks – is currently on hold, pending clarity on whether Singh stays or goes. Several senior IAS officers are waiting in anticipation, as Singh’s continuation or exit could realign administrative responsibilities at multiple levels.

Second Successive Extension if Approved

If the Centre grants the extension, Manoj Kumar Singh would become the second successive Chief Secretary in Uttar Pradesh to receive additional tenure after retirement. His predecessor, Durga Shankar Mishra, was granted two one-year extensions and a final six-month term before retiring in June. With Singh’s retirement date fast approaching, the state is now awaiting the Centre’s response – a decision that will determine not just the future of one bureaucrat but also the pace and continuity of UP’s high-stakes development agenda.

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