Manoj Kumar Singh, an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer of the 1988 batch of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has taken over as the new chief secretary of the state.  He has succeeded Durga Shanker Mishra, a 1984 batch officer of the same cadre. Singh will also continue as Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner. Durga Shanker Mishra, then posted as secretary, housing and urban development, at the Centre, was repatriated to his home state on December 29, 2021, only two days before his retirement, and was posted as the chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh. Mishras appointment as the chief secretary on the cusp of retirement came as a big surprise to many as it was believed to be the first case of its kind in the country. Later he was given another one-year extension by the Centre in December 2022. As his tenure was about to end in December 2023, he was granted a six-month extension citing the Lok Sabha elections. However, this time, Mishra was not given a fourth extension, and the government has now entrusted the responsibility of chief secretary to Manoj Kumar Singh. Originally from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, Manoj Kumar Singh is considered one of the most influential bureaucrats in the state. He currently oversees several important departments. As additional chief secretary, he has held responsibilities of Panchayati Raj and Horticulture and Food Processing departments, playing a key role in implementing numerous government schemes. Manoj Kumar Singh is due to retire in July 2025. Manoj Kumar Singh currently holds two key positions as the agriculture production commissioner and the infrastructure and industrial development commissioner of the state. In addition to these roles, he is also serving in senior capacities as the additional chief secretary of Panchayati Raj and Food Processing departments, as well as the chairman of UPDA, UPSHA and PICUP, all of which are crucial for the states development. During the COVID-19 period, Singh was initially part of Team 11 and later Team 9, where he played a significant role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in rural areas. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths BC Sakhi scheme, embodying the concept of Banking at Your Doorstep, is now being recognised as a model across the country. Manoj Kumar Singh has significantly contributed to both the planning and implementation of this initiative. The scheme is receiving national acclaim as an excellent example of womens self-reliance and financial inclusion. In addition to expanding womens self-help groups, Manoj Kumar Singh has also played a significant role in ensuring the effective implementation of child development schemes such as Take Home Ration.

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