Himachal Pradesh

Sanjay Gupta: The Last 1988-Batch IAS Officer Serving as Chief Secretary

Anuj Gaur — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:11:09 +0000

Sanjay Gupta stands out as the only and final Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1988 batch currently serving as a Chief Secretary in the country. A senior officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Gupta is at the helm of the administration in Himachal Pradesh, bringing to the role more than three decades of wide-ranging administrative experience.

Gupta assumed charge as Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh on October 1, 2025, following the retirement of Prabodh Saxena. Alongside this responsibility, he also holds additional charge as Additional Chief Secretary (Town & Country Planning and Housing). He is due to retire from service in May 2026, marking the end of an era for the 1988 IAS batch.

Over a career spanning more than 37 years , Gupta has served across almost every major department of the state government. His previous assignments include key roles as Principal Secretary in departments such as Education, Technical Education, Transport, and Fisheries. He has also held important leadership positions, including Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board.

In the infrastructure sector, Gupta served as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation, reflecting his strong grounding in technical and project-oriented governance. His field experience includes stints as Divisional Commissioner of Shimla and Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul & Spiti, giving him firsthand exposure to both urban and remote hill administration.

Born on June 5, 1966, in Haryana, Gupta is a Civil Engineering graduate with a Diploma in Management. Within bureaucratic circles, he is known for his meticulous approach, technical depth, and a leadership style often described as one of “quiet efficiency.”

As the senior-most officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Sanjay Gupta’s tenure as Chief Secretary represents both continuity and closure—bringing seasoned stewardship to the state administration while drawing the curtain on the long journey of the 1988 IAS batch at the very top.

IPS Anurag Garg: Steering the NCB’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking with Strategic Leadership

Anuj Gaur — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:26:22 +0000

Shri Anurag Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has carved an impressive trajectory in the field of Indian law enforcement. Recently appointed as the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), his career reflects a wealth of experience, dedication, and expertise in multiple facets of policing and national security. His appointment by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) signals a significant new chapter in his professional journey, one that will see him at the helm of India’s premier agency tasked with combating drug trafficking and abuse.

Anurag Garg began his career with the Indian Police Service (IPS) after being inducted into the 1993 batch from Himachal Pradesh. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his tenacity and effectiveness in handling various responsibilities across multiple departments. His early assignments saw him taking on roles in key police departments in his home state, where he worked closely with local law enforcement to address issues ranging from law and order management to crime investigation.

During these formative years, Garg honed his skills in operational policing, a discipline that would serve him well in future assignments. His leadership qualities and his ability to coordinate with both central and state agencies quickly became evident. In these roles, he showcased a nuanced understanding of the intersection between local criminal elements and broader national security concerns.

One of the key aspects of Anurag Garg’s career has been his involvement in national security, particularly through his contributions to the Border Security Force (BSF). Serving as Additional Director General (ADG) in the BSF, Garg played a pivotal role in the agency’s operations along India’s borders. His tenure here highlighted his strategic acumen in managing border security, preventing infiltration, and tackling cross-border criminal activities, including smuggling and narcotics trafficking.

The BSF, responsible for guarding India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, operates in a challenging environment where the constant threat of infiltration and cross-border terrorism requires round-the-clock vigilance. As ADG, Garg was instrumental in enhancing the operational efficiency of the force, focusing on modernizing border surveillance and improving inter-agency coordination with intelligence networks. His leadership helped streamline many of the BSF’s counter-infiltration efforts, contributing to greater security and stability in the border regions.

In September 2023, Garg was appointed as the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), a role that reflects the culmination of his extensive experience in law enforcement and national security. The NCB, established under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is India’s nodal agency responsible for fighting drug trafficking and enforcing drug laws. It plays a critical role in intelligence gathering, enforcement actions, international cooperation, and public awareness campaigns aimed at curbing the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Garg’s appointment comes at a time when the global narcotics trade has evolved, with drug cartels becoming increasingly sophisticated in their operations. The NCB’s work has grown in complexity, particularly with the rise of new synthetic drugs and the increasing prevalence of online drug markets. In this challenging environment, Garg’s background in border security and inter-agency coordination is expected to enhance the bureau’s ability to tackle drug-related crimes.

As the head of NCB, Garg has articulated a clear vision for the bureau’s future. He has emphasized a multi-pronged approach that includes not just enforcement but also prevention and rehabilitation. His tenure has seen a renewed focus on intelligence-led operations, leveraging data analytics and modern technology to track and dismantle drug trafficking networks. Under his leadership, the NCB has strengthened its collaborations with state police forces, customs authorities, and international agencies to ensure a comprehensive approach to combating drug-related offenses.

One of Garg’s key initiatives has been to foster greater public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Recognizing that law enforcement alone cannot solve the drug menace, he has called for increased engagement with civil society, educational institutions, and healthcare providers to address the root causes of addiction. His emphasis on rehabilitation and de-addiction programs represents a holistic approach to the problem, one that aims to offer long-term solutions by helping individuals and communities recover from the impact of drugs.

Furthermore, under his leadership, the NCB has sought to expand its global partnerships. Given the transnational nature of the drug trade, cooperation with international organizations like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and law enforcement agencies in other countries is crucial. Garg has been instrumental in enhancing India’s participation in global forums on drug control, aiming to ensure that India’s borders remain impenetrable to the illicit drug trade.

While Anurag Garg has made significant strides in strengthening the NCB’s capabilities, several challenges lie ahead. The rise of dark web drug markets, the increasing role of cryptocurrencies in illicit transactions, and the evolving tactics of drug cartels present a complex and ever-changing landscape. However, Garg’s experience in handling border security and his commitment to modernizing the NCB provide a strong foundation for addressing these challenges.

Looking forward, Garg’s tenure as Director General of NCB, which runs until May 23, 2026, is expected to be marked by a continued focus on innovation, collaboration, and a strong enforcement framework. His leadership will likely emphasize the importance of adapting to new challenges while maintaining the bureau’s core mission of protecting India from the scourge of narcotic drugs.

Shri Anurag Garg’s appointment as Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau reflects a career built on dedication, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to national security. With decades of experience in both state-level policing and national security roles, Garg is well-equipped to lead the NCB in its fight against drug trafficking. His leadership promises to further enhance the bureau’s capabilities, ensuring that it remains a critical force in safeguarding the health and security of Indian society. As the country grapples with the complex challenges posed by the global narcotics trade, Garg’s stewardship of the NCB is a vital step in building a drug-free India.

IAS Prabodh Saxena: Revolutionizing Governance and Finance in Himachal Pradesh

Anuj Gaur — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:23:21 +0000

Shri Prabodh Saxena is a distinguished officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), belonging to the Himachal Pradesh cadre, having commenced his journey in 1990 through direct recruitment. With over three decades of service, he has held a range of significant positions across the central and state government, making noteworthy contributions in various domains including finance, governance, and international diplomacy.

After joining the IAS, Shri Saxena’s career took off in Himachal Pradesh, where he served in a range of key district-level positions. His early assignments saw him take on the role of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Bilaspur, followed by positions as Additional Deputy Commissioner and Settlement Officer in Kangra. This phase of his career, between 1993 and 1997, was marked by significant involvement in land revenue management and district administration, offering him vital grassroots-level experience in governance.

In 1998, he transitioned to the role of Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, where he remained until 2003. During this time, he demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing district affairs, which would lay the foundation for his future roles in higher levels of administration.

Shri Saxena’s capabilities saw him ascend to more complex roles. By 2004, he had moved to positions with broader scope, including Director and Secretary-level roles in departments such as Home and Vigilance, Personnel, and General Administration. His responsibilities in these roles included overseeing critical state functions like legal affairs, law enforcement, and vigilance operations. Between 2006 and 2008, he served as the Director of the Vigilance Department, further honing his skills in administrative oversight and governance.

During this period, his involvement in financial management became more prominent as he transitioned to the finance sector, marking the beginning of a long-standing association with budget control, financial planning, and economic affairs.

One of the significant milestones in Shri Saxena’s career was his tenure at the Central Government. Between 2008 and 2013, he held pivotal roles within the Ministry of Finance, particularly in the Department of Economic Affairs. He served as Director and later Joint Secretary, playing a key role in shaping India’s financial and economic policies. His expertise in finance was recognized through his appointments, which included strategic positions related to financial services and economic planning.

From 2013 to 2016, Shri Saxena was posted as Senior Advisor to the Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. This foreign posting provided him with a global perspective on financial innovation and economic diplomacy, which proved valuable in his subsequent roles. His work at ADB was recognized for its impact, particularly in the area of tripling lending resources without additional financial investment—a testament to his innovative financial strategies.

Upon returning from his international assignment, Shri Saxena resumed his service in Himachal Pradesh, taking on some of the most senior positions in the state administration. His return marked a period of substantial contributions in the areas of finance, planning, and governance. Between 2016 and 2022, he served as Principal Secretary and later as Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

During this period, he held several key portfolios, including Health and Family Welfare, Finance, Planning, Housing, Urban Development, and Power. His broad range of responsibilities showcased his versatility and deep understanding of various sectors, particularly his expertise in financial management, where he played a critical role in ensuring budgetary discipline and financial planning for the state.

His appointment as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh in December 2022 stands as a culmination of his long and illustrious career in the civil service. As the highest-ranking bureaucrat in the state, Shri Saxena now oversees the administration’s functioning, guiding policy decisions and ensuring effective governance across multiple sectors.

Shri Saxena’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds an LL.M. from the London School of Economics (LSE), where he excelled with outstanding performance. He also has postgraduate qualifications in Economics and a law degree (LL.B.), which provided him with a strong foundation in both economic and legal matters—two fields that would define much of his administrative career.

In addition to his formal education, Shri Saxena has undergone multiple specialized training programs, both domestically and internationally. Notable among these is the Executive Development Program in the USA, and specialized training on Environmental Impact Assessment in Japan. His training has allowed him to stay at the forefront of administrative practices and adapt global best practices to the Indian context.

Shri Saxena is also an accomplished author, having published several articles and papers on topics ranging from economic diplomacy to the Right to Information (RTI). His works, including publications in The Administrator and Economic & Political Weekly, reflect his deep insights into governance, human rights, and financial management.

Shri Prabodh Saxena’s career is a testament to his commitment to public service and his ability to navigate the complexities of governance across multiple domains. His journey from district-level administration to the highest bureaucratic office in Himachal Pradesh demonstrates his capacity for leadership, adaptability, and innovative thinking.

With his vast experience in both state and central government, as well as international financial institutions, Shri Saxena’s expertise continues to shape the policies and governance framework in Himachal Pradesh. His role as Chief Secretary puts him at the helm of the state’s administration, where his decisions will have a lasting impact on its development trajectory.

Shri Saxena’s illustrious career stands as an example of the dedication, skill, and strategic foresight required to succeed in the Indian Administrative Service. His contributions to governance, particularly in finance and economic planning, have left an indelible mark on the institutions he has served, and his leadership in the coming years will undoubtedly continue to steer the state towards greater prosperity and good governance.