With just days remaining before the scheduled retirement of Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra on September 30, 2025, speculation is mounting within administrative circles about whether the seasoned IAS officer will receive an extension or be succeeded by a new appointee.
Mr. Dharmendra, a 1989 batch officer from the AGMUT cadre, is widely respected for his administrative acumen. Sources close to the matter indicate that the New Delhi establishment is leaning toward extending his tenure—at least temporarily. However, as is customary with high-profile appointments, the final decision is likely to be made at the eleventh hour.
Strategic Considerations Behind the Decision
The appointment of Delhi’s Chief Secretary is rarely a routine administrative exercise. It carries significant political and strategic weight, particularly in a city that serves as both the National Capital Territory and a focal point of national governance.
Given the relatively recent formation of the BJP-led government in Delhi, which is still acclimating to the complexities of NCT administration, retaining an experienced officer like Dharmendra could provide much-needed continuity and stability.
Potential Successors Under Consideration
While the possibility of Dharmendra’s extension remains strong, discussions around his potential successors are actively underway. At least six senior IAS officers are reportedly in contention:
Amit Yadav (IAS: 1991)
Debashree Mukherjee (IAS: 1991)
Bipul Pathak (IAS: 1992)
Ashwani Kumar (IAS: 1992)
Punya Salila Srivastava (IAS: 1993)
Vikram Dev Dutt (IAS: 1993)
Each of these officers brings a wealth of experience from key postings within the AGMUT cadre and the Central Government, making them strong candidates for Delhi’s top bureaucratic post.
Awaiting the Final Word
The final decision rests with the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and is expected to be announced shortly. Should Dharmendra be granted an extension, it would align with precedent—such extensions are not uncommon during periods of political or administrative transition.
Until an official announcement is made, Delhi’s corridors of power remain rife with speculation. Yet many insiders believe that Dharmendra’s continued leadership could offer the government a st
