Patna: IAS officer Amrit Lal Meena has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Bihar. A 1989 batch IAS officer, Meena hails from Rajasthan and brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Currently serving as the Coal Secretary for the Government of India, Meena has had a distinguished career, with a strong background in both state and central administration.
Meena, an electrical engineering graduate, is known for his close ties with prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, current CM Nitish Kumar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His retirement is scheduled for 31st August 2025, giving him one year in the role of Chief Secretary.
Meena has been serving as the Coal Secretary since 1st November 2022. Before that, he was appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the same department. His central deputation began on 10th September 2021, during which he also held the position of Special Secretary of Industry and Internal Trade in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry until 19th October 2022.
Before his central deputation, Meena was a key figure in Bihar’s state administration. He held the roles of Principal Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary in the Road Construction Department from 15th February 2017 to 9th September 2021. His career in Bihar began with his junior-scale training from 21st August 1989 to 10th August 1991. He then served as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Begusarai and Sitamarhi, and later as District Magistrate (DM) in several districts, including Muzaffarpur, Siwan, Nalanda, Bhojpur, and Gaya during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister.
After a central deputation in 2004, where he served in the Rural Development and Food Processing Industries Departments, Meena returned to Bihar in April 2012. Upon his return, he was appointed Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department. He continued to hold significant positions, including Secretary of the Rural Development Department in 2014, and once again as Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department in 2015. On 8th April 2016, he was promoted to Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department and later served as Additional Chief Secretary.
Meena’s extensive experience and close connections with key political figures make him a trusted and influential administrator in Bihar. As the new Chief Secretary, he is expected to play a pivotal role in the state’s governance, continuing his legacy of dedicated public service.
