Ex-IFS Officer M.K. Yadava’s Continuation as Assam Special Chief Secretary Triggers Major Controversy After Government’s Term Ends
A major administrative and political controversy has surfaced in Assam over the continued functioning of retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer M.K. Yadava as Special Chief Secretary (Forest), despite the official end of the tenure of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led state government on May 6, 2026.
The issue has sparked intense debate within bureaucratic and political circles because the Assam Government’s own appointment order had clearly stated that Yadava’s tenure would remain “co-terminus with the current term of the State Government.” Critics now argue that his continuation in office after the resignation of the Chief Minister raises serious questions about administrative propriety, legal validity, and adherence to service norms.
Appointment Order at the Centre of the Dispute
The controversy revolves around an order issued by the Assam Government’s Personnel Department on February 21, 2025, through which M.K. Yadava’s re-engagement as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) was extended with effect from March 1, 2025.
The official order specifically stated:
“M.K. Yadava, IFS (Retd.), Special Chief Secretary (Forest) is re-engaged as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) w.e.f. 01-03-2025 and co-terminus with the current term of State Government.”
Political observers and opposition leaders argue that once Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned on May 6, 2026, paving the way for the formation of a new government, Yadava’s tenure should have automatically ceased on the same date.
However, according to sources in Dispur, the retired officer has continued to occupy the office and is reportedly still exercising administrative authority within the Forest Department.
Yadava Reportedly Continues Administrative Functions
Sources familiar with the matter claim that M.K. Yadava continues to attend office regularly at the Assam Secretariat in Dispur and remains actively involved in departmental functioning.
Officials allege that he is still issuing instructions to senior Forest Department officers despite the apparent expiry of his tenure. Reports further suggest that efforts are underway to secure another extension or fresh appointment once the new government formally assumes office.
Sources also indicated that the Personnel Department has reportedly prepared a panel of three names for consideration for the post of Special Chief Secretary (Forest), including Yadava and two senior IAS officers.
Re-engagement After Retirement Had Earlier Drawn Criticism
M.K. Yadava retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) on February 29, 2024.
Soon after his retirement, the Assam Governor re-engaged him as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) for one year beginning in March 2024. The Assam Cabinet later approved another extension in February 2025, enabling him to continue beyond his initial tenure.
Even at the time of his re-engagement, opposition parties, particularly the Assam Congress, had strongly objected to the decision. Opposition leaders described the move as politically motivated, legally questionable, and inconsistent with established central service norms governing post-retirement appointments of All India Service officers.
Critics argued that granting a retired officer executive and financial authority equivalent to that of a serving senior bureaucrat was highly unusual and required greater transparency and legal scrutiny.
Forest Land Diversion Cases Add to the Controversy
The latest controversy has gained additional significance because Yadava has already been facing scrutiny in connection with several forest land diversion decisions taken during his tenure in the Forest Department.
Hailakandi Forest Diversion Case
One of the most discussed cases relates to the alleged diversion of nearly 44 hectares of forest land in Hailakandi district in 2023 for the establishment of a commando battalion near the Assam-Mizoram border.
According to reports, the land diversion allegedly took place without obtaining mandatory prior clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), as required under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
The matter later came under the scanner of both the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Union Environment Ministry. In 2024, the Ministry reportedly issued a show-cause notice to Yadava regarding alleged violations linked to the case.
Geleky Reserve Forest Matter
Another controversial case concerns the alleged diversion of around 28 hectares of forest land in the Geleky Reserve Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border in 2022 for the construction of a police battalion camp.
The Union Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee later imposed heavy penalties on the Assam Government, including payment of five times the standard Net Present Value (NPV) along with 12 percent simple interest.
Alleged Direction for Legal Action
Sources claim that in July 2025, the Union Environment Ministry directed the Assam Government to initiate legal proceedings against Yadava over alleged violations related to forest conservation laws and land diversion approvals.
However, according to reports, no formal legal action has yet been initiated.
Governance Questions Intensify
The continuation of M.K. Yadava in office despite the apparent expiry of his tenure has reignited a wider debate over post-retirement appointments, accountability in public administration, and adherence to constitutional and service norms.
The issue is expected to come under close scrutiny once the new Assam government is fully constituted. Key questions now being raised include whether Yadava’s continuation was legally sustainable, whether a fresh appointment order is required, and whether pending environmental and administrative allegations warrant further inquiry.
Until a formal clarification is issued by the state government, the controversy is likely to remain a politically and administratively sensitive issue in Assam.
