SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, Sept 30: Ending all speculation, 1993-batch IAS officer Avinash Kumar has been appointed today as the new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand.
According to a state government notification, Kumar—who has been holding several key roles including Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), Development Commissioner, Chief Resident Commissioner at Jharkhand Bhawan, CMD of Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam and Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam—has now been transferred and posted as Chief Secretary. He will continue to hold the posts of Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Chief Resident Commissioner at Jharkhand Bhawan.
The outgoing Chief Secretary, Alka Tiwari, superannuated today.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Ajay Kumar Singh has been given the additional charge of Development Commissioner.
Who is Avinash Kumar?
Avinash Kumar, a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, has built a reputation as one of the most dependable administrators in the state. A graduate with B.Tech and M.Tech degrees, he has held a wide range of senior assignments, including stints as Additional Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Chief Resident Commissioner at Jharkhand Bhawan, and heading key energy utilities such as the Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam and the Bijli Vitaran Nigam.
Known among colleagues as suave, approachable, and always smiling, Kumar is widely respected for his calm demeanour and ability to build consensus, even in challenging situations. His leadership style combines administrative rigour with a personable touch—qualities that have earned him both political trust and bureaucratic goodwill.
Why CM Hemant Soren Chose Him
Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s decision was guided largely by tradition: Kumar is the senior-most IAS officer currently serving in Jharkhand, making him the natural choice for the top bureaucratic post after Alka Tiwari’s retirement.
In addition, his vast administrative experience—handling multiple important portfolios simultaneously—gave him an edge. Soren is believed to value Kumar’s proven ability to manage complex responsibilities with composure, which aligns with the demands of the Chief Secretary’s office.
By opting for Kumar, Soren has both respected seniority convention and placed faith in an officer known for his steady hand and approachable personality.
