Patna: Retired bureaucrat Deepak Kumar, long considered a key aide to Nitish Kumar, is expected to move to Delhi as the JD(U) leader transitions into a larger role in national politics.
Multiple media reports, including an article by Whispersinthecorridors, claim that the 1984-batch IAS officer may be inducted into the NITI Aayog in a senior advisory capacity.
Trusted aide with long association
Deepak Kumar has worked closely with Nitish Kumar across multiple administrative tenures, emerging as one of his most trusted bureaucratic associates.
His expected move comes alongside Nitish Kumar’s entry into the Rajya Sabha and signals a continuation of their coordination at the national level.
Extensive administrative experience
Over a long career, Deepak has served as district magistrate in several districts, including Buxar, Nalanda, Hazaribagh and Motihari. He has also held key positions across departments such as health, urban development, general administration, tourism and information and public relations in Bihar.
At the Centre, he served as director general of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), before returning to Bihar as development commissioner.
Deepak was appointed chief secretary of Bihar in June 2018 and later served as principal secretary to the chief minister from February 2021.
His tenure as a senior bureaucrat coincided with a significant phase of Nitish Kumar’s administration, during which he played a central role in policy execution and coordination.
Contractual role and extended tenure
His appointment as principal secretary was made on a contractual basis, with ministerial-level perks and no fixed tenure limit, according to government orders.
Officials said the arrangement allowed continuity in administrative leadership and underscored the trust placed in him by the political leadership.
Deepak’s potential move to Delhi is being seen as part of a broader transition, with experienced bureaucrats expected to support Nitish Kumar in his national responsibilities.
