Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, July 31, 2025 – In a decisive move, the Uttar Pradesh government officially appointed Shashi Prakash Goyal as the new Chief Secretary of the state, following the retirement of Manoj Kumar Singh. Goyal assumed office on Thursday evening at the secretariat.
A Trusted Administrator
A 1989 batch IAS officer, Goyal has long been recognized as a trusted aide of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He previously served as Additional Chief Secretary in the CM’s Office, handling crucial departments such as Civil Aviation, State Estate, and Protocol, and acted as Additional Resident Commissioner of UP in Delhi. With over eight years in the CM’s office, he has emerged as a key decision-maker in state administration.
Rise to Chief Secretary
Shashi Prakash Goyal steps into the top bureaucratic post at a crucial time. His appointment followed weeks of speculation after the government sought a one-year extension for outgoing Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh from the Centre—which ultimately was not granted. Goyal becomes the seventh Chief Secretary during CM Yogi Adityanath’s tenure, marking his ascendance to the highest civil services position in the state.
Career Journey & Education
Goyal began his IAS journey in August 1989, with an academic background in mathematics and computer science (MCA from IGNOU). His early roles included district leadership—in Deoria, Mathura, Etawah, Prayagraj, and Aligarh—as well as positions in state programs like AIDS control and planning. In 2014, he joined the Union Human Resources Ministry as joint secretary for Higher Education, before returning in 2017 as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. He was elevated to Additional Chief Secretary in June 2020.
Priorities as Chief Secretary
In his first address, Goyal reaffirmed the government’s roadmap: zero tolerance toward crime and corruption, rapid industrial development, and completion of ongoing infrastructure projects. He pledged to align closely with CM Yogi’s vision of advancing Uttar Pradesh into a USD 1 trillion economy through timely policy execution and sustainable growth.
Expanded Roles & Portfolios
Alongside his role as Chief Secretary, Goyal takes on multiple key responsibilities:
a. Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC)
b. CEO of UPEIDA (Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority)
c. Chairperson of PICUP (Pradesh Industrial & Investment Corporation of UP)
d. Director of UPDASP, Coordination Department head, and others
The previous departments under his charge—Civil Aviation, State Estate, Protocol—were reassigned to Sanjay Prasad, who now holds the position of Principal Secretary (Home & Information).
Goyal is valued for his administrative acumen, strong coordination with both state leadership and the Centre, and firm adherence to protocol. Multiple years in the CM secretariat make him adept at executing complex policy plans across sectors like aviation, industry, and planning. Colleagues describe him as patient, knowledgeable, and disciplined in his approach.
What Came Before
Before Goyal, Manoj Kumar Singh served as Chief Secretary from June 30, 2024. His term ended on July 31, 2025, without an extension—unlike six earlier chief secretaries, some of whom received Centre’s approval to continue. The selection of Goyal, if viewed by protocol, aligns with the conventional practice of appointing senior-most officers when possible.
Challenges Ahead
Goyal now steps in at a pivotal moment. Uttar Pradesh is preparing for major initiatives including an investor summit and ground-breaking ceremonies, rural welfare campaigns like the Zero Poverty program, and large-scale infrastructure rollout. Goyal will steer coordination between departments, ensure governance compliance, and sustain administrative momentum across sectors.
Quick Profile: Shashi Prakash Goyal
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| IAS Batch | 1989 (UP cadre) |
| Education | B.Sc. (Math), MCA (IGNOU) |
| Key Roles Held | Collector in multiple districts; Jt. Secretary, Higher Education (GoI); Principal Secretary to CM; ACS to CM |
| Specialization | Civil Aviation, State Estate, Protocol, Industrial Strategy, CM coordination |
| New Position | Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh |
| Additional Charges | IIDC, PICUP Chair, CEO UPEIDA, Coordination Department, UPDASP |
| Retirement | Due January 2027 |
Final Word
Shashi Prakash Goyal brings together seasoned administrative experience, loyalty to state leadership, and a clear execution focus. His elevation to Chief Secretary reflects a strategic choice—placing a trusted, senior bureaucrat at the centre of UP’s governance. The coming months will test his leadership as he leads the state through ambitious reforms and pushes toward economic targets.
