Rajeev Verma, a seasoned 1992-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Delhi, succeeding Dharmendra who retires on September 30, 2025.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the official order on September 28, confirming Verma’s transfer from Chandigarh to Delhi, where he will assume charge from October 1, 2025. This key administrative post places Verma at the helm of Delhi’s government machinery at a critical juncture for the city’s development and governance.
A Veteran Administrator with Extensive Experience
Rajeev Verma’s career spans over three decades, marked by a blend of technical expertise and administrative acumen. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Verma holds a Graduate degree in Computer Science from the University of Roorkee and an MTech from IIT, bringing a strong analytical background to his bureaucratic roles. His prior roles include Chief Secretary of Chandigarh and Puducherry, demonstrating his capability to lead diverse administrative units.
His tenure in Delhi includes pivotal leadership positions such as Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Finance (2018-2022), and Principal Commissioner of Housing and Urban Affairs at the Delhi Development Authority (2017-2018). Verma has also served at the central government level in Defence, Power, and Health ministries.
Key Contributions in Chandigarh and Beyond
During his tenure as Chief Secretary of Chandigarh since early 2024, Rajeev Verma was praised for his rule-based yet practical approach to governance that balanced administrative discipline with ground realities. Under his leadership, Chandigarh advanced several public service initiatives aimed at urban sustainability, citizen-centric governance, and efficient resource management.
His prior experience as the Adviser to Chandigarh’s Administrator helped streamline coordination between different departments and improve policy implementation. Verma also pioneered efforts to enhance transparency and responsiveness in public administration.
These contributions have earned him a reputation as an officer focused on delivering results while maintaining administrative integrity. This experience is expected to translate well as he takes charge of Delhi’s administration amid its multifaceted challenges.
Challenges and Priorities Ahead
Verma’s appointment comes at a time when Delhi faces numerous urban issues, including pollution control, urban infrastructure, traffic management, and public transport enhancement. One of his primary responsibilities will be spearheading the cleanup and rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, a focal point for pollution control efforts by the BJP state and central governments.
Verma will oversee coordination among multiple agencies, implement strict environmental norms, and ensure sustainable development initiatives align with the city’s needs. Additionally, improving waste management, water supply, and strengthening public transport are critical tasks under his watch.
The political alignment across Delhi’s government, the Centre, and Municipal Corporation under the BJP umbrella is expected to streamline governance and reduce administrative roadblocks, enabling Verma to focus more effectively on policy implementation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The appointment of Rajeev Verma underscores the importance of experienced leadership in managing a complex metropolis like Delhi. Given the range of challenges from environmental concerns to urban planning, a chief secretary’s role extends beyond administration to embody empathy, transparency, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
Verma’s deep institutional knowledge and diverse administrative portfolio position him to foster collaborative governance that appreciates the nuances of public service. For sustainable urban progress, leadership must blend efficiency with kindness and nurture dialogue across sectors and communities.
Senior IAS officer Rajeev Verma (1992 batch, AGMUT cadre) has been appointed as the next Chief Secretary of Delhi, with the approval of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
— Bureaucrats Media (@MBureaucrats) September 28, 2025
He is slated to succeed Dharmendra (1989 batch, AGMUT), who will retire on 30 September 2025. Currently,… pic.twitter.com/jR8s3LO98K
