Centre has high hopes from U’khand, wants to see state grow: Chief secy

DEHRADUN:

Utpal Kumar Singh

took charge as the 15th chief secretary of

Uttarakhand

on Wednesday. After being relieved by the Centre from deputation duty, Singh arrived in Dehradun in the morning and went straight to the secretariat where following a meeting with CM Trivendra Singh Rawat he took charge as the CS.

Singh has replaced S Ramaswamy for the top bureaucratic position. Ramaswamy has been appointed the chairperson of state revenue council.

Soon after assuming office, Singh said, “I have come here with an open vision and will come up with practical solutions to issues faced by the state.” He expressed happiness over being given an opportunity to return to the state. Pointing out that on November 9, 2020, Uttarakhand would complete 20 years of existence, Singh said, “After discussions with the CM, ministers and officers, we will identify important issues and work on them for the next three years.”

The new chief secretary added, “I have spent a long time in Uttarakhand and I’m well aware that there is a lot of potential in women, youth, and men of this state. The Centre has high hopes from Uttarakhand and wants to see this state grow at a rapid pace so people can prosper and economy flourishes.”

Singh also appreciated the team of state bureaucrats and employees by terming them as “responsible and efficient”.

Born on July 29, 1960, Singh is a 1986-batch IAS officer. After the formation of Uttarakhand in 2000, Singh was posted in the state for 12 years before leaving for deputation duty to Delhi. Before being relieved by the Centre, he was holding the charge of additional secretary to Government of India in agriculture, cooperation and farmers welfare department.

Singh has served key positions in the previous BJP government in the state. As a principal secretary in the previous BJP government, he held key departments of energy, higher education and public works department. He also served in the position of principal secretary to the chief minister.