LUCKNOW (India CSR): In a significant administrative development, the Uttar Pradesh government has appointed senior IAS officer Shashi Prakash Goyal as the new Chief Secretary of the state, effective July 31, 2025. Goyal, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, succeeds Manoj Kumar Singh, who retired on the same day, marking the end of weeks of speculation surrounding the top bureaucratic post. The appointment, announced on Thursday evening, brings clarity to the state’s administrative leadership and underscores Goyal’s longstanding reputation as a trusted aide of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
A Smooth Transition Amid Uncertainty
The transition to Goyal’s leadership was formalized at the state secretariat in Lucknow, where outgoing Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh handed over the charge in the presence of senior officials, including Principal Secretary (Home and Information) Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary (Appointment and Personnel) M Devraj, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary (Planning) Alok Kumar, and Lucknow District Magistrate Vishakh G. The state government had earlier sought a one-year extension for Singh from the Centre in early July, but unlike previous Chief Secretaries Anup Chandra Pandey and Durga Shankar Mishra, who received such extensions, Singh’s request was declined, paving the way for Goyal’s elevation.
Speaking to reporters after assuming charge, Goyal expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for entrusting him with the responsibility. “The state government will lay emphasis on implementing the policies of zero tolerance, zero corruption, industrial development, and economic development at the ground level,” he said, outlining his vision for Uttar Pradesh’s progress. Goyal also emphasized the goal of transforming the state into a one-trillion-dollar economy, aligning with the state’s ambitious economic agenda.
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A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Shashi Prakash Goyal, widely known as SP Goyal, brings over three decades of administrative experience to the role of Chief Secretary, the highest executive position in Uttar Pradesh’s bureaucracy. Prior to his appointment, Goyal served as Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a position he held for eight years, making him one of the longest-serving officers in the Chief Minister’s Office. His tenure in this role was marked by efficient coordination and the implementation of key governance reforms, earning him the reputation of a calm, result-oriented, and low-profile bureaucrat.
Goyal’s career spans critical roles at both state and central levels. He has served as District Magistrate in key districts such as Aligarh, Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Etawah, Mathura, and Deoria, where he demonstrated exemplary governance, effective disaster management, and responsiveness to public issues. At the central level, Goyal was Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Higher Education) from 2014 to 2017, contributing significantly to higher education policy. He also held positions in the President’s Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, underscoring his national-level recognition.
Within Uttar Pradesh, Goyal’s contributions to the Civil Aviation Department as Principal Secretary and later Additional Chief Secretary were instrumental in advancing the state’s aviation infrastructure, including projects like the Jewar International Airport. His roles as Principal Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, Staff Officer in the Cabinet Secretariat, and Secretary to the State Public Service Commission further highlight his versatility and administrative acumen.
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Expanded Responsibilities as Chief Secretary
As Chief Secretary, Goyal has been entrusted with additional responsibilities, reflecting the state government’s confidence in his leadership. These include serving as Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC), Additional Chief Secretary of the Coordination Department, Chairman of the Pradesh Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Corporation of Uttar Pradesh (PICUP), Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), Vice Chairman and Project Director of the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), and Director of the Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation (UPDASP). These roles position Goyal at the helm of major infrastructure and industrial projects, such as the Ganga Expressway and a network of logistics and data centers, critical to Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth.
The additional charge of Civil Aviation and State Property, previously held by Goyal, has been reassigned to Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad, allowing Goyal to focus on his expanded duties as Chief Secretary.
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A Trusted Ally of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Goyal is widely regarded as one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s most trusted officers, having played a pivotal role in the Chief Minister’s Office since the beginning of Yogi’s first term in 2017. His proximity to the CM’s office and his ability to streamline administrative processes have made him a central figure in Uttar Pradesh’s governance. Sources within the bureaucracy note that Goyal’s appointment was anticipated, given his seniority and track record, particularly after the Centre’s decision to deny an extension to Manoj Kumar Singh.
“Goyal’s appointment is a reflection of his proven administrative acumen, rich experience across sectors, and unwavering commitment to public service,” said a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The bureaucratic community in Uttar Pradesh has welcomed the appointment, with many expressing optimism about Goyal’s ability to provide stable and effective leadership at a time when the state is pursuing ambitious development projects.
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Challenges and Expectations Ahead
As the 56th Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Goyal assumes office at a critical juncture. The state is intensifying efforts to complete mega infrastructure projects, attract industrial investments, and improve basic amenities like roads and public transport, which remain a priority for residents. Goyal’s emphasis on zero tolerance for corruption and his focus on industrial and economic development align with the state government’s vision, but translating these policies into tangible outcomes will be a key challenge.
Public expectations are high, with citizens hoping for improvements in governance transparency and infrastructure. “As someone from Lucknow, I hope the new Chief Secretary focuses on improving basic infrastructure. Our roads and public transport need urgent attention,” said a local resident, echoing sentiments shared on social media platforms.
Goyal’s tenure, which could extend until January 2027, provides him with an 18-month window to leave a lasting impact on Uttar Pradesh’s administrative and developmental landscape. His reputation as a hardworking and serious officer, combined with his deep understanding of the state’s bureaucratic machinery, positions him well to navigate the challenges ahead.
A New Chapter for Uttar Pradesh’s Bureaucracy
Shashi Prakash Goyal’s appointment as Chief Secretary marks a new chapter for Uttar Pradesh’s administrative leadership. With his extensive experience, strategic foresight, and close alignment with the state government’s priorities, Goyal is poised to steer Uttar Pradesh toward its goal of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy while addressing pressing governance and infrastructure needs. As the state bureaucracy moves forward under his leadership, all eyes will be on how Goyal translates his vision into action, building on the foundation laid by his predecessors.
