Yogi Adityanath's Trusted Aide Manoj Kumar Singh Takes Charge As Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh

An official statement issued by the state government said Singh was among the officers that Yogi had picked for their "integrity, tenacity and a strong work ethic," after coming to power in 2017. Singh is a "recognised performer," a spokesperson of the UP government said.

Prior to being named as the chief secretary, Singh held two key positions in the state government -- the Agriculture Production Commissioner and the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner.

In addition to these roles, he was also serving in senior capacities as the Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayati Raj and Food Processing, as well as the Chairman of UPDA, UPSHA, and PICUP, all of which are crucial for the state's development.

Singh was credited with controlling the spread of Covid-19 in rural areas of the state during the pandemic. 

As the Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayati Raj, Singh successfully implemented CM Yogi's plans, including getting all 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh declared as open-defecation-free. A number of toilets were constructed in the state under his supervision.

Singh, who hails from Ranchi, Jharkhand, is due to retire in July next year. 

After taking charge on Sunday, Singh told reporters that the state had set an ambitious target of implementing developmental projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore.  

"We will work in coordination with all departments to achieve the targets set by the CM for the betterment of the people of the state," he said.