IAS officer Dharmendra appointed chief secretary of Delhi government

The Centre has appointed Dharmendra, a 1989-batch IAS officer, as the new chief secretary of Delhi, replacing Naresh Kumar, a 1987-batch IAS officer, whose extension ends on August 31.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order stating that Dharmendra, currently serving as the chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, will assume his new role starting September 1 or from the date of his joining, whichever is later.

“With the approval of the Competent Authority, Dharmendra, IAS (AGMUT:1989) is hereby transferred from Arunachal Pradesh to Delhi and posted as Chief Secretary, GNCTD w.e.f.01.09.2024 or with effect from the date of joining, whichever is later,” the order from the ministry of home affairs reads.

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Naresh Kumar, who had previously received two extensions from the central government, completed his tenure on August 31. His tenure as chief secretary was characterized by frequent disputes between the Delhi bureaucracy, led by him, and the government of Arvind Kejriwal.

The AAP government accused Kumar of bypassing the chief minister by sending files directly to the lieutenant governor, which they claim violated the constitutional system. Additionally, the AAP has alleged that Kumar was involved in a scheme to increase compensation for land in Bamnoli village, acquired by NHAI for the Dwarka Expressway, benefiting a company linked to his son, Karan Chauhan.

Recently, Delhi revenue minister Atishi accused Kumar of negligence in investigating the deaths of UPSC aspirants at Rajendra Nagar’s Rau’s IAS Study Circle.