Four IAS Officers, Including Asheesh Singh and Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, Likely to Be Elevated as Secretaries
Bhopal is abuzz with anticipation as the Madhya Pradesh government prepares for a large-scale administrative reshuffle, expected to impact more than 100 senior officers of both the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the State Administrative Service (SAS). The long-pending promotion exercise is likely to be completed by November–December 2025, with new designations and grade revisions taking effect from January 1, 2026.
Four IAS Officers to Step Into Secretary Roles
Sources within the state secretariat indicate that four IAS officers are in line for elevation to the post of Secretary. Among them are Asheesh Singh (2010 batch), currently the Divisional Commissioner of Ujjain, and Kaushlendra Vikram Singh (2010 batch), the Collector of Bhopal. Also expected to be promoted are Ruchika Chauhan (2011 batch), the Collector of Gwalior, and one more officer whose name is yet to be disclosed.
This reshuffle represents one of the most comprehensive administrative reorganizations in the state in recent years, aimed at filling key positions and ensuring smoother policy execution.
Around 50 IAS Officers to Receive Promotions
Nearly 50 IAS officers are expected to benefit from the upcoming round of promotions. The elevation list includes transitions from Additional Secretary to Secretary, Secretary to Principal Secretary, and Principal Secretary to Additional Chief Secretary levels.
Officials say this restructuring will strengthen leadership at the senior decision-making level and recognize officers who have consistently demonstrated administrative excellence.
Promotions Extended to SAS Cadre
Alongside IAS officers, the State Administrative Service (SAS) cadre is also set to benefit. Approximately 50–60 SAS officers will be promoted, with Deputy Collectors advancing to Joint Collectors, and Joint Collectors being elevated to Additional Collectors.
The government views this as a step toward enhancing district-level efficiency, enabling better coordination between state departments and field-level administrations.
Grade Pay Revisions to Accompany Promotions
The promotions will come with significant grade pay increases. Deputy Collectors promoted to Joint Collectors will see their pay jump from ₹5400 to ₹6600. Joint Collectors promoted to Additional Collectors will move from ₹6600 to ₹7600. Officers eligible for higher-grade promotions will receive ₹8700, though their official designations will remain unchanged.
This pay restructuring is expected to boost morale, improve retention, and reward long-serving officers across the administrative hierarchy.
Officers on SIR Duty to Face Temporary Delays
However, not all officers will immediately benefit from the reshuffle. Those currently assigned to State Intensive Revision (SIR) tasks — primarily involved in voter list verification and electoral data management — will have their promotions deferred until February 2026.
Officials explained that maintaining continuity in field operations is critical during the SIR period, hence the temporary deferment.
Lingering Concerns Over Promotion Delays
Despite the good news, discontent still lingers among sections of government employees over the long delay in finalizing promotions.
The issue, which moved between the Supreme Court and the High Court, revolved around amendments to the promotion policy framework. While the government has since submitted its position to the court, employee associations argue that insufficient consultation with staff representatives prolonged the impasse.
Many also point out that earlier batches were denied due promotions, leading to thousands of officials retiring before receiving their rightful advancement. Nonetheless, the upcoming promotions have rekindled optimism and hope among serving officers.
Toward a More Dynamic Administrative Structure
This wide-ranging promotion drive signals the Madhya Pradesh government’s intention to reinvigorate governance by strengthening its senior and mid-level administrative leadership.
By rewarding experience, enhancing pay scales, and reassigning key roles, the government aims to accelerate decision-making, improve administrative efficiency, and ensure smoother policy implementation across sectors.
Ultimately, the reshuffle stands as a commitment to meritocracy, accountability, and administrative renewal, reinforcing the state’s focus on effective public service delivery.
