The Punjab government has announced a significant administrative change with the appointment of 1992-batch IAS officer K A P Sinha as the new Chief Secretary of the state. Sinha replaces Anurag Verma, marking the fourth change in the state’s top bureaucratic position since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in Punjab two and a half years ago. This reshuffle follows a string of alterations in the office of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, reportedly influenced by the directives of the AAP high command.
Sources indicate that the decision to replace Verma is part of a broader effort to streamline governance and improve the rollout of key government schemes, which had reportedly faced delays. Although the Punjab government has not provided an official reason for Verma’s removal, insiders suggest that the party leadership was unhappy with the slow implementation of certain policies and projects, leading to frustration within the ranks. Last week, Verma was reportedly summoned to Delhi for discussions with senior AAP officials regarding these issues.
The administrative shift also coincides with the resignation of four of Chief Minister Mann’s close aides, who either stepped down voluntarily or were asked to resign. One senior aide was formally removed from office as part of these recent changes, signaling a deeper restructuring within the Chief Minister’s team. Sinha, who takes over as the new Chief Secretary, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to this, he held the crucial positions of Special Chief Secretary for Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Development—arguably two of the most important portfolios in the state’s administrative framework. Sinha has also served in key roles such as administrative head of Finance and Food and Supplies, further enhancing his profile as a capable and efficient bureaucrat. He is widely regarded for his strong decision-making abilities and proven administrative skills, qualities that the government is likely relying on to ensure smoother execution of its policies.
Notably, Sinha is senior to his predecessor Verma, who belongs to the 1993 IAS batch. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring in an experienced hand to address the challenges facing the Punjab government, especially in terms of speeding up the implementation of various welfare schemes.
As the fourth Chief Secretary in the last 30 months, Sinha’s tenure will be closely watched to see if he can bring stability to the post and help the Mann-led administration deliver on its promises to the people of Punjab.
