Pratyay Amrit appointed next Bihar Chief Secretary in unprecedented move.

Patna, August 4, 2025: In a major administrative reshuffle, the Nitish Kumar government has appointed senior IAS officer Pratyay Amrit as the next Chief Secretary of Bihar, replacing Amrit Lal Meena, who is set to retire on August 31, 2025.

A formal notification regarding the appointment was issued today.

What makes this development unusual is that the decision has come 27 days ahead of Meena’s retirement—a significant departure from the norm, where such top-level postings are typically announced a day or two before the retirement of the incumbent.

According to the official notification, “ Pratyay Amrit, IAS (1991), currently serving as Development Commissioner of Bihar with additional charges as Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, and Principal Secretary, has been posted as Chief Secretary, Bihar, with effect from 01.09.2025.”

Pratyay Amrit made OSD ahead of assumption:

In a first for the state, the government has also assigned Pratyay Amrit the role of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Chief Secretary’s office starting today, giving him full operational control even before formally taking over the top post.

This dual arrangement effectively hands over the reins of the state’s bureaucracy to Amrit while Meena still officially holds the position.

Government insiders suggest that while Amrit Lal Meena will remain the ceremonial Chief Secretary until his retirement; key decision-making and administrative responsibilities will now be handled by Pratyay Amrit.

A strategic move or political signal:

This early transition and the appointment of an OSD prior to a Chief Secretary’s retirement break two administrative traditions in Bihar.

It has sparked speculation in bureaucratic and political circles over why the government was in such a hurry to effect the change.

While it was widely anticipated that Pratyay Amrit, who already holds one of the top administrative roles as Development Commissioner, would be elevated of Chief Secretary, the timing and method to his appointment have drawn attention.

Analysts believe this move could be a part of a larger administrative strategy ahead of the upcoming elections, especially given Amrit’s strong track record and close involvement with key government initiatives.

Also Read: Pratyay Amrit, among 7 senior IAS officers transferred.

EOM.