Who Is IAS Santosh D. Vaidya? AGMUT Cadre Officer Appointed Delhi’s Home Secretary; Bipul Pathak Shifted to Social Welfare
In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya (IAS: 1998: AGMUT) as the new Principal Secretary (Home), Government of NCT of Delhi. Vaidya replaces senior IAS officer Bipul Pathak (IAS: 1992: AGMUT), who has now been reassigned as Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare) with additional charge of Director, Union Territory Civil Services (UTCS).
This reshuffle is aimed at streamlining governance in Delhi and strengthening leadership in crucial departments.
Stop-Gap Arrangement Until Vaidya Assumes Charge
Until Santosh D. Vaidya formally takes charge, the Home Department will be managed temporarily by Sandeep Kumar (IAS: 1997: AGMUT).
Sandeep Kumar is currently serving as:
Principal Secretary (Vigilance)
Holding additional charge of Principal Secretary (Administrative Reforms)
Principal Secretary (IT)
Chairman, Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB)
Chairperson, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
He will continue to function as Home Secretary until Vaidya assumes office.
Bipul Pathak’s New Role
Bipul Pathak, who earlier held the post of ACS (Home), has now been appointed ACS (Social Welfare). He will also serve as Director, UTCS.
Previously, Pathak managed several key portfolios including:
ACS (Home)
ACS (Finance)
ACS (Planning)
ACS (Industries)
Chairman, Delhi State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC)
His reassignment reflects a rebalancing of critical administrative responsibilities within the Delhi government.
Transfer of Santosh D. Vaidya to Delhi
Santosh D. Vaidya was transferred to Delhi from Jammu & Kashmir in the first week of January 2026, along with Sanjeev Khirwar (IAS: 1994: AGMUT), as part of a broader cadre reshuffle by the MHA. At the time of transfer, Vaidya was listed as awaiting posting, which has now culminated in his appointment as Principal Secretary (Home).
IAS Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya has a distinguished career following his administrative journey.
Personal Background
Date of Birth: April 14, 1974
Cadre & Batch: IAS, AGMUT cadre, 1998 batch
Languages: Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi
Expertise: Finance, infrastructure, governance reforms, and public policy
Educational Qualifications
B.Tech in Instrumentation, IIT Kharagpur (President’s Silver Medal for academic excellence)
M.A. in Economics, IGNOU, Delhi
Master’s in Public Policy, Johns Hopkins University, USA
Civil Services Journey
Selected to the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1997 with All India Rank 12.
Underwent probation at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad.
Transitioned to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1998, allotted AGMUT cadre.
Key Postings Across States, Centre, and Abroad
Arunachal Pradesh (2000–2004)
Served as Additional Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in remote districts.
Worked on land management, food security, and law and order.
Initiated projects for indigenous language scripts and cultural textbooks.
Goa (2004–2007)
Served in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Headed Public Works, Social Welfare, and Education departments.
Implemented the Persons with Disabilities Act.
Goa won a National Medal in 2007 for barrier-free public infrastructure.
Delhi (2007–2013)
CEO, Delhi Jal Board, overseeing water sector reforms.
Secretary, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, coordinating anti-poverty programs.
Prime Minister’s Office (2013–2016)
Served as Director, PMO on central deputation.
Handled infrastructure ministries including Power, Railways, and Roads.
Coordinated PRAGATI video conferences chaired by the Prime Minister.
World Bank (2017–2020)
Senior Advisor to the Executive Director in Washington D.C.
Worked on multilateral finance and fiduciary policy.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2022–2023)
Commissioner & MD, ANIIDCO.
Oversaw energy, shipping, and infrastructure development.
Jammu & Kashmir (2023–2025)
Principal Secretary, Finance Department.
Led fiscal reforms and managed institutions including J&K Bank.
Held additional charge of the Home Department.
Chairman & MD, JKIDFC.
Director on the Board of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation.
Current Role in Delhi
As of January 2026, Santosh D. Vaidya has been appointed Principal Secretary (Home), GNCTD. His appointment places him at the helm of one of the most sensitive and crucial departments in Delhi’s administration.
His leadership is expected to bring:
Administrative depth, Financial prudence and Policy expertise to the Home Department, strengthening governance in the national capital.
