Dharmendra, 1989-batch IAS officer, is Delhi's new chief secretary, replaces Naresh Kumar

Dharmendra, Arunachal Pradesh's current chief secretary, will take over new charge with effect from September 1 or from date of his joining, whichever is later.

The Centre has appointed 1989-batch IAS officer Dharmendra as the new chief secretary of Delhi on Saturday. He will replace Naresh Kumar, a 1987-batch IAS officer, whose extension ends on August 31.

IAS officer Dharmendra appointed as Delhi's new chief secretary.(Facebook/NDMC)

According to an order issued by the Union ministry of home affairs, Dharmendra, currently posted as the chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, will take over the new charge with effect from September 1 or from the date of his joining, whichever is later.

“With the approval of the Competent Authority, Sh. Dharmendra, IAS (AGMUT:1989) is hereby transferred from Arunachal Pradesh to Delhi and posted as Chief Secretary, GNCTD w.e.f.01.09.2024 or with effect from the date of joining, whichever is later,” the ministry of home affairs said in its order.

No further extension to Naresh Kumar

Incumbent Naresh Kumar, who previously received two extensions from the central government, completed his tenure on August 31.

During his time as chief secretary, Naresh Kumar's tenure was marked by frequent clashes between the Delhi bureaucracy, led by him, and Arvind Kejriwal's government.

The AAP government accused Naresh Kumar of bypassing the chief minister by directly sending files to the lieutenant governor, violating the constitutional system. The AAP has also alleged that Kumar was involved in a scheme to increase compensation for land in Bamnoli village, acquired by NHAI for the Dwarka Expressway, to benefit a company linked to his son, Karan Chauhan.

Recently, Delhi revenue minister Atishi accused Kumar of negligence in investigating the deaths of UPSC aspirants at Rajendra Nagar's Rau’s IAS Study Circle.