With Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena set to retire in August 2025, Bihar is not only gearing up for its upcoming assembly elections but also witnessing a crucial transition in its bureaucratic leadership. The race for the state’s top administrative post has already begun, and 1991-batch IAS officer Pratyaya Amrit has emerged as the frontrunner for the position.
While an official announcement is still pending, discussions within administrative and political circles strongly suggest that Amrit is the most likely candidate, given his seniority, proven track record, and close ties to the state’s power corridors.
Multiple Contenders, But One Clear Favorite
The list of eligible candidates includes IAS officers from the 1990 to 1992 batches, but several face constraints that diminish their chances:
Chaitanya Prasad (1990 batch): The senior-most contender, but he retires on July 31, 2025, ruling him out of the race.
Keshav Kumar Pathak (1990 batch): Currently on central deputation as Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, his return to Bihar seems unlikely before retirement.
S. Siddharth (1991 batch): Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Additional Chief Secretary (Education), but his retirement in November 2025—around the time of election results—makes a long-term appointment improbable.
Deepak Kumar Singh & Harjot Kaur Bamhra (1992 batch): While in contention, their lower seniority and limited central experience reduce their chances.
This leaves Pratyaya Amrit, a seasoned bureaucrat holding three key portfolios, as the most probable successor.
Why Pratyaya Amrit is the Leading Candidate
Currently serving as Development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), and Additional Chief Secretary (Disaster Management), Amrit has demonstrated strong leadership across critical sectors. His administrative acumen and rapport with Bihar’s political leadership further strengthen his case.
Key Career Highlights:
Successfully implemented a PPP model for Katihar District Hospital as District Magistrate.
Pioneered measures to curb obscenity at the Sonpur Cattle Fair during his tenure in Chhapra.
Mandated CCTV installations in cinema halls to enhance public safety.
Proven track record in power, road construction, disaster management, and public health.
Who is IAS Pratyaya Amrit?
A Bihar cadre officer from the 1991 batch, Amrit hails from Gopalganj and is known for his multilingual abilities, including fluency in Santali, a tribal language he learned during training. His hands-on approach—such as cracking down on illegal gambling in Simdega—has cemented his reputation as a decisive and people-centric administrator.
With a career marked by challenging assignments and consistent delivery, Pratyaya Amrit stands out as one of Bihar’s most dependable bureaucrats, making him the natural choice for the state’s next Chief Secretary.
