In a major administrative reorganisation, the Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the transfer of eight Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and five Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HPAS) officers, signalling a comprehensive reshuffle aimed at reinforcing governance across districts and departments.
The sweeping exercise is part of routine administrative rationalisation intended to improve operational efficiency, streamline departmental coordination and strengthen service delivery mechanisms throughout the state.
Gandharva Rathore Named Deputy Commissioner of Hamirpur
Special Secretary (Personnel) Gandharva Rathore has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner of Hamirpur. He replaces Amarjeet Singh, who has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Cooperation.
With Amarjeet Singh assuming the new role, 2004-batch IAS officer C. Paulrasu has been relieved of the additional charge he was holding for the Cooperation Department.
Dalip Kumar Negi Assigned Strategic Secretarial Positions
2018-batch IAS officer Dalip Kumar Negi, who was awaiting a formal posting, has now been appointed Special Secretary (State Taxes and Excise). He replaces Harbans Singh Brascon, who had been managing the department under additional charge.
Further strengthening Negi’s responsibilities, the government has also assigned him the additional charge of Special Secretary (Industries and Home). This move relieves Sudesh Kumar Mokhta of these portfolios. Separate orders will be issued to finalise Mokhta’s reassignment.
Divyanshu Singal Posted as MD, HP Handicrafts & Handloom Corporation
Divyanshu Singal, who was serving as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Shimla, has been appointed Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation, Shimla.
He will continue to hold the additional charge of Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation, ensuring continuity in healthcare procurement operations.
His previous post at DRDA Shimla has now been filled by Sachin Sharma, Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Amb, who will assume charge as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Project Director, DRDA, Shimla.
Other Important IAS Transfers
Netra Meti, currently serving as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Palampur, has been appointed Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Palampur, while retaining additional charge of SDO (Civil), Palampur.
A. Shainamol, Secretary (Administrative Reforms, Training, FA & RPG), who was also holding the additional charge of Secretary (Ayush), has now been given the additional responsibility of Divisional Commissioner, Shimla Division.
Vinod Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Kangra Division at Dharamsala, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Technical Education. He will, however, continue to hold the additional charge of Divisional Commissioner, Kangra Division.
Five HPAS Officers Also Shifted
Alongside the IAS reshuffle, the state government has also ordered the transfer of five officers belonging to the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HPAS). Their revised postings have been notified through a separate official order.
Administrative Rationale
Officials said the reshuffle is intended to rationalise administrative deployment, ensure effective leadership across departments, and maintain continuity of governance. Several officers have been entrusted with additional charges to prevent any disruption in essential services until permanent arrangements are finalised.
