Barely three weeks after taking over as Uttar Pardesh chief secretary, Shashi Prakash Goyal has suddenly gone on a leave.
In the absence of Goyal, additional chief secretary Deepak Kumar has been given the responsibility of the post of Chief Secretary.
Deepak, an officer of 1990 batch – a batch junior to Goyal – currently serves as the Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC), typically the second-highest-ranking IAS officer in the agriculture and allied departments, reporting directly to the Chief Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to sources, Goyal has gone to Delhi for treatment of heart ailments.
The sudden departure Goyal on an unscheduled leave has caused a stir in the governance. Goyal took charge as Chief Secretary on July 31, 2025 when the incumbent chief secretary Manoj Kumar Sinha was reportedly denied extension from the centre.
The chief minister Yogi Adityanath then appointed his own additional chief secretary and close aide Shashi Prakash Goyal as chief secretary of the state.
Goyal, who was playing a key role in the Chief Minister's Office for the last eight years, is known for his skillful working style and strategic coordination. According to the order issued by the Appointments and Personnel Department, SP Goyal has gone to Delhi for health reasons.
The department has been informed that Goyal is suffering from some heart problem. Due to this, he will be stationed in Delhi for the next 7 days taking care of his health.
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