Appointment Announcement
Rajeev Verma takes charge as Delhi Chief Secretary: Rajeev Verma, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Delhi with effect from 1 October 2025. He succeeds Dharmendra, who retired on 30 September after completing his tenure. The order was issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and involves Verma’s transfer from Chandigarh to Delhi.
Career Journey
Verma has built a distinguished administrative career over three decades. He is currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Chandigarh since early 2024. Before that, he held key roles in the Delhi government, including Finance and Revenue Secretary (2018–22) and Principal Commissioner, Housing & Urban Affairs in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
Static GK fact: The post of Chief Secretary is the senior-most position in a state or Union Territory, acting as the chief executive officer of the government.
Educational Background
Born in Uttar Pradesh, Rajeev Verma pursued a BTech in Computer Science from Roorkee and completed an MTech from IIT. His technical background has helped him in handling governance areas involving technology and infrastructure.
Static GK tip: IIT Roorkee, established in 1847 as Thomason College of Civil Engineering, is one of the oldest technical institutions in Asia.
Central Government Roles
Beyond Delhi postings, Verma has also served in various central ministries, including Defence and Power, along with responsibilities in transport and urban governance. These experiences provide him with a broad administrative outlook suited for the complexities of Delhi.
Significance of the Post
The Chief Secretary of Delhi plays a pivotal role in balancing governance between the Government of NCT Delhi (GNCTD), the Central Government, and multiple local agencies. The post demands coordination across overlapping jurisdictions, particularly in areas of law and order, urban services, and development.
Static GK fact: Delhi is administered under Article 239AA of the Constitution, giving it special provisions as a Union Territory with an elected assembly.
Challenges Ahead
As Delhi’s top bureaucrat, Verma faces immediate challenges in urban management. Reviving the Yamuna river, improving air quality, and strengthening infrastructure such as transport, waste management, and housing are pressing concerns. Policy continuity and smooth coordination among agencies will be crucial in his tenure.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Rajeev Verma takes charge as Delhi Chief Secretary:
Topic | Detail |
Name | Rajeev Verma |
Service | IAS, 1992 batch |
Cadre | AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram & Union Territories) |
New Role | Chief Secretary of Delhi |
Assumption Date | 1 October 2025 |
Predecessor | Dharmendra |
Previous Post | Chief Secretary, Chandigarh |
Education | BTech (Roorkee), MTech (IIT) |
Delhi Roles Held | Finance & Revenue Secretary, Housing & Urban Affairs |
Key Challenges | Yamuna cleanup, pollution control, infrastructure and urban governance |