THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, Dec 13: The Jharkhand government has officially approved the promotion of IAS officers Vandana Dadel and Mastram Meena to the rank of Chief Secretary. According to sources, the government has given its nod on the related file.
Vandana Dadel will receive the benefit of the CS rank from January 1, 2026. The official order for the promotion is expected to be issued soon. Vandana Dadel belongs to the 1996 IAS batch. Similarly, Mastram Meena, Principal Secretary of the Drinking Water Department, is also from the 1996 batch.
Three CS-rank officers from Jharkhand currently on central deputation
Currently, three officers from the Jharkhand cadre holding CS rank are on central deputation: Shailesh Kumar Singh, Nidhi Khare, and Satyendra Singh.
Shailesh Kumar Singh, a 1991 batch officer, is serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and is set to retire on March 31, 2026.
Nidhi Khare, 1992 batch, is Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs. Satyendra Singh, 1995 batch, is Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat.
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Three CS-rank officers in Jharkhand, including the Chief Secretary
In Jharkhand, the Chief Secretary along with two other officers hold CS rank. Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar belongs to the 1993 batch. Nitin Madan Kulkarni, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, is from the 1995 batch, and Ajay Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary in the Health Department, is also a 1995 batch officer.
Amitabh Kaushal to be promoted to Principal Secretary
Amitabh Kaushal of the Commercial Tax Department will be promoted to the rank of Principal Secretary. He belongs to the 2001 batch.
Currently, Rahul Purwar and Sunil Kumar, both 1999 batch officers, hold the rank of Principal Secretary. Vinay Chaubey, also 1999 batch, is currently suspended.
Five Principal Secretary-rank officers on central deputation
Five officers at the Principal Secretary rank are currently on central deputation. Sunil Barnwal, 1997 batch, is CEO of the National Health Authority. Rahul Sharma, 1998 batch, is Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat.
KK Soan, 1998 batch, is Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Himani Pandey, 1998 batch, is Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Aradhana Patnayak, 1998 batch, is Additional Secretary in the Health Ministry.
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Two IAS officers to be promoted to Secretary rank
The state government has also approved the promotion of two IAS officers to Secretary rank. Amit Kumar, currently serving as Commercial Tax Commissioner, belongs to the 2010 batch.
Another Amit Kumar, currently on central deputation as PS to the Tribal Affairs Minister, is also a 2010 batch officer. Both will be promoted to Secretary rank.
