PATNA – In a sweeping administrative overhaul, the Bihar Government’s General Administration Department issued a series of notifications on May 10, 2026, transferring and reassigning several high-ranking IAS officers across key departments. The move, aimed at streamlining governance, impacts sectors ranging from Health and Finance to Disaster Management and Tourism.
Key Shifts in Senior Leadership
The reshuffle sees several Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries taking on new responsibilities:
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Shri Anand Kishore (IAS 1996): Currently the Chairman of the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), he has been relieved of his additional charge as Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department. He continues his roles in the BSEB and the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department.
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Shri H.R. Srinivasa (IAS 1996): Moves from the Backward Classes and Extremely Backward Classes Welfare Department to become the Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Welfare Department.
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Shri Santosh Kumar Mall (IAS 1997): Formerly the Principal Secretary of Water Resources, he has been appointed as the Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department. He will maintain additional charges as Inquiry Commissioner and OSD at Bihar Bhavan, New Delhi.
Departmental Transitions
The notification also outlines significant changes at the Secretary level:
Notable Relievals and New Assignments
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Shri Kundan Kumar (IAS 2004): While continuing as Secretary of the Industries Department, he has been relieved of his additional charges as Resident Commissioner (New Delhi) and Investment Commissioner (Mumbai).
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Shri Pranav Kumar (IAS 2008): Currently Secretary of Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs, his portfolio remains significant with various additional charges including Home Department and IG of Prisons and Correctional Services.
Administrative Impact
These appointments, effective immediately, represent a strategic “realignment” of the state’s bureaucratic machinery. By shifting seasoned officers into critical roles like Health, Finance, and Social Welfare, the Bihar government appears to be prioritizing departmental expertise to drive its 2026 policy agenda.
The orders, issued under the authority of the Governor, signify one of the largest mid-year administrative updates for the state this year.
