Sharat Chauhan Appointed As Puducherry's New Chief Secretary

Sharat Chauhan, a seasoned 1994 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been designated as the new Chief Secretary of Puducherry. The announcement of his appointment came through an official order issued by the Union Home Ministry on January, 29. With an extensive background in administration, Chauhan is poised to bring fresh perspectives and efficient governance to the union territory.

Experience and Background

Chauhan’s prior service in Arunachal Pradesh has equipped him with a wealth of administrative experience, making him well-suited for his new role in Puducherry. His tenure in Arunachal Pradesh likely provided him with insights into managing diverse administrative challenges, which will be invaluable in his leadership of Puducherry.

Reshuffling within AGMUT Cadre

Chauhan’s appointment is part of a broader series of transfers within the AGMUT cadre, indicating a strategic reshuffling of administrative leadership within the region. Among these changes is the transfer of A R Talwade, an IAS officer of the 2009 AGMUT batch, who joins Chauhan in Puducherry from Arunachal Pradesh. This demonstrates a concerted effort to optimize administrative capabilities and leverage the expertise of seasoned officers in key positions.

Outgoing Chief Secretary and Transition

Rajeev Verma, the outgoing Chief Secretary of Puducherry and a 1992 batch IAS officer, will assume a new role as advisor to the Chandigarh administrator following his tenure. Verma, who took charge on April 29, 2022, contributed significantly to the administration of Puducherry and will now bring his experience to bear in Chandigarh, facilitating a smooth transition of leadership in both territories.

Contributing to Administrative Changes

Chaudhuri Abhijit Vijay, an IAS officer of the 2012 AGMUT batch, will now serve in Chandigarh after being transferred from Puducherry, further contributing to the ongoing administrative changes within the AGMUT cadre. These transfers reflect a dynamic approach to governance, wherein officers are strategically deployed to address evolving challenges and priorities across different territories.

Strengthening Law Enforcement

In addition to bureaucratic adjustments, the posting of Ajit Kumar Singla, a 2004 IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, in Puducherry from Delhi, and R Kalaivanan, a 2018 batch IPS officer, joining the Puducherry administration from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, signifies a concerted effort to strengthen law enforcement and ensure public safety within the union territory. These appointments bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences to the Puducherry police force, enhancing its capacity to address emerging security challenges effectively.