Uttar Pradesh Government Transfers 2 IAS and 6 PCS Officers; V. Hekali Zhimomi Appointed Principal Secretary, Forest Department in Major Administrative Reshuffle
In a notable bureaucratic overhaul, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has transferred two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers along with six Provincial Civil Service (PCS) officers in a late-night reshuffle aimed at reinforcing administrative efficiency across the state. The changes span key state-level departments as well as crucial district-level assignments, including Sub-District Magistrates (SDMs), Additional District Magistrates (Judicial), City Magistrates, and positions in development authorities.
The restructuring reflects a calibrated move by the state administration to optimize governance, enhance departmental coordination, and strengthen service delivery mechanisms across both rural and urban areas.
Key Changes at the Principal Secretary Level
The reshuffle brings significant adjustments in the leadership of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, as well as the Panchayati Raj Department, two sectors central to environmental governance and grassroots administration in Uttar Pradesh.
V. Hekali Zhimomi Appointed Principal Secretary, Forest Department
Senior IAS officer V. Hekali Zhimomi (1996 batch) has been appointed as Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Her appointment comes at a time when environmental conservation, forest management, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience initiatives are gaining increasing policy importance in India’s most populous state. By entrusting her with this portfolio, the government has signaled a renewed focus on sustainable development and ecological governance.
As Principal Secretary, she will oversee policy formulation, regulatory frameworks, forest administration, wildlife conservation programs, and climate adaptation strategies across Uttar Pradesh.
Anil Kumar-III Relieved of Additional Forest Charge
Senior IAS officer Anil Kumar-III has been relieved of the additional charge of Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department.
However, he will continue to hold the post of Principal Secretary, Panchayati Raj Department. In this capacity, he remains responsible for rural governance, implementation of decentralization policies, and oversight of local self-government institutions across the state.
The reallocation of responsibilities ensures clearer departmental focus at the senior administrative level.
Six PCS Officers Transferred Across Key District Assignments
In addition to IAS-level changes, six PCS officers have been reassigned to new roles in various districts. The transfers primarily affect positions linked to revenue administration, judicial oversight, and urban management.
According to Principal Secretary (Personnel and Appointments) M. Devraj, the reshuffle is intended to strengthen field-level administration and enhance efficiency in district governance structures.
Rajesh Chandra Posted as ADM (Judicial), Mainpuri
PCS officer Rajesh Chandra, who had been serving as Sub-District Magistrate (SDM) in Ghazipur, has been transferred and appointed as Additional District Magistrate (Judicial) in Mainpuri. His new role will involve judicial and quasi-judicial responsibilities, including oversight of revenue and administrative matters.
Vikas Yadav Appointed SDM, Ambedkar Nagar
PCS officer Vikas Yadav, previously associated with the Revenue Council, has been assigned as Sub-District Magistrate (SDM) in Ambedkar Nagar. As SDM, he will supervise revenue administration, law and order coordination, and implementation of government schemes at the sub-divisional level.
Brijpal Singh Transferred to Lakhimpur Kheri
Brijpal Singh, who was serving as SDM in Deoria, has been transferred as Additional District Magistrate (Judicial) in Lakhimpur Kheri. The position entails judicial supervision of revenue cases and administrative adjudication responsibilities.
Rajesh Kumar Mishra Appointed Secretary, Ayodhya Development Authority
PCS officer Rajesh Kumar Mishra, earlier serving as City Magistrate in Ayodhya, has been appointed Secretary of the Ayodhya Development Authority. This authority plays a critical role in urban planning, infrastructure development, and regulatory approvals in the rapidly developing temple city.
Given Ayodhya’s growing prominence and large-scale development initiatives, this posting carries significant administrative importance.
Sanjeev Kumar Upadhyay Posted as City Magistrate, Ayodhya
Sanjeev Kumar Upadhyay, who was serving as Special Officer in the Prayagraj Development Authority in Prayagraj, has been transferred as City Magistrate in Ayodhya. The City Magistrate position is central to urban law and order management, licensing, and municipal coordination.
Archana Agnihotri Appointed SDM, Mau
PCS officer Archana Agnihotri, previously associated with the Revenue Council, has been appointed as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Mau. Her responsibilities will include revenue administration, maintenance of law and order at the sub-division level, and supervision of local development initiatives.
Administrative Focus on Governance and Policy Implementation
The latest reshuffle underscores the continued emphasis of the Government of Uttar Pradesh on improving administrative responsiveness and operational effectiveness at both state and district tiers.
By realigning senior IAS officers and key PCS officials, the government aims to:
Strengthen departmental accountability
Improve coordination between state and district administrations
Enhance implementation of welfare and development schemes
Ensure more efficient delivery of public services
The Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, now under the leadership of V. Hekali Zhimomi, is expected to play an increasingly vital role amid growing environmental challenges and climate-related policy priorities.
At the district level, the reassignment of PCS officers is likely to have direct implications for revenue administration, judicial functions, urban development, and local governance across several districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Overall, the reshuffle reflects a structured administrative recalibration designed to reinforce governance capacity and institutional performance across the state.
