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Agrawal was serving as the state’s CEO before receiving the new appointment. (Img: Dynamite News)
Kolkata: The West Bengal government has appointed senior IAS officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal as the state’s new Chief Secretary, placing one of the administration’s most experienced officers at the helm during a politically significant period for the state.
Agarwal, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, was serving as the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) before receiving the new assignment. The appointment comes shortly after the conclusion of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections.
Senior IAS Manoj Kumar Agrawal Appointed New Chief Secretary Of West Bengal
Manoj Kumar Agarwal came into focus during the recently concluded Assembly polls in West Bengal, which were conducted amid heightened political tensions and security concerns. As Chief Electoral Officer, he supervised the election process across the state and was credited with ensuring large voter participation and smooth poll management.
Senior IAS Officer Manoj Kumar Agrawal Appointed As West Bengal Chief Secretary#WestBengal #ManojKumarAgrawal #ChiefSecretary #IAS #BengalNews pic.twitter.com/XKxH1QaU6t
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) May 11, 2026
Officials familiar with the process said the elections witnessed peaceful voting in most areas despite concerns over possible unrest. His handling of election-related administration is being viewed as one of the factors behind his elevation to the state’s top bureaucratic post.
Agarwal is considered one of the senior-most and most experienced bureaucrats in the West Bengal administration. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, he has held several important positions in the state government over the years.
During his administrative career, he served as District Magistrate of Burdwan and later held key responsibilities in multiple departments. His previous roles include Chairman of the West Bengal Highway Corporation, Principal Secretary in the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, Principal Secretary of the Food Department, and Additional Chief Secretary in departments such as Forest and Fire & Emergency Services.
According to the official order issued by the government, Manoj Kumar Agarwal will replace outgoing Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala. The appointment has come into immediate effect and he will continue in the role until further orders.
The new BJP-led government in West Bengal has indicated that restoring administrative stability, improving governance and strengthening law-and-order mechanisms will remain among its key priorities in the coming months.
