Only 170 of 224 IAS Positions Filled; Many Officers on Central Deputation or Set to Retire in 2025
Jharkhand is currently grappling with a serious shortage of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and State Administrative Service officers, posing a significant threat to the efficiency and responsiveness of the state’s governance system. Out of the sanctioned strength of 224 IAS officers, only 170 posts are currently filled—many of whom are either on Central deputation or nearing retirement, compounding the administrative burden.
Senior IAS Officers on Central Deputation
A large number of senior IAS officers from Jharkhand are serving on deputation with the Central Government. This includes high-ranking officials such as:
Chief Secretary-rank officers:
Ms. Nidhi Khare (1992 batch)
Mr. Satyendra Singh (1995 batch)
Mr. Shailesh Kumar Singh (1991 batch)
Principal Secretary-rank officers:
Mr. Sunil Varnwal (1997 batch)
Mr. Rahul Sharma, Mr. K.K. Soan, Ms. Himani Pandey, and Ms. Aradhana Patnaik (all 1998 batch)
Secretary-level officers:
Mr. K. Muthu Kumar (2009 batch)
Mr. Harsh Mangla (2008 batch)
Mr. Rai Mahimapat Ray (2011 batch)
Mr. Shantanu Agrahari and Mr. Bhuvanesh Pratap Singh (2012 batch)
Mr. Divyanshu Jha (2014 batch)
Mr. Amit Kumar (2010 batch)
The absence of such a substantial portion of the senior cadre has significantly impacted leadership continuity within the state bureaucracy.
Record Number of Retirements in 2025
The situation is further strained by a wave of retirements expected in 2025. Between January and June alone, six senior officials have already retired or are scheduled to retire, with nearly a dozen more expected to superannuate by the end of the year.
Notable upcoming retirements include:
Chief Secretary Ms. Alka Tiwari (1988 batch) – Last working day: September 30
Mr. Ajay Kumar Singh (1995 batch) – Retiring on August 31
Officers Overburdened with Multiple Roles
Due to the personnel shortfall, many officers are holding multiple key portfolios simultaneously:
Mr. Arwa Rajkamal (2008 batch):
Holds seven key positions, including Secretary of the Building Construction Department, Mines and Geology, and Industries, as well as MD of the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation and Jharkhand Bhawan Resident Commissioner in Delhi.
Mr. Amitabh Kaushal (2001 batch):
Handles the Commercial Tax Department along with additional charge of the Excise and Prohibition Department.
Ms. Vandana Dadel (1996 batch):
Manages both the Home Department and the Cabinet.
Mr. Avinash Kumar (1993 batch):
Functions as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Development Commissioner, and CMD of the Energy Development Corporation.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma (2003 batch):
In charge of the Disaster Management Department and holds additional charge as Civil Defense Commissioner.
Federation Calls for Cadre Reforms
Mr. Mrityunjay Kumar Jha, State Vice President of the Jharkhand State Employees Federation and President of the Secretariat Union, expressed concern over the continued outflow of officers to Central deputation. He called for an urgent review of the system, emphasizing the need to limit such postings and to promote eligible State Civil Service officers to the IAS cadre under the Centre’s quota.
Urgent Need for Cadre Management Reforms
The ongoing crisis highlights the pressing need for structural reforms in cadre management. Without immediate intervention, the state risks administrative paralysis in critical departments, potentially undermining service delivery and governance outcomes in Jharkhand.
