Chandigarh (03.07.2024): A list of three officers has been sent to the Chandigarh Administration on Tuesday by the Haryana government for the post of Secretary (Home). The UT Administration sought a list of officers for the post about two months ago. The three officers are Dr Amit Kumar Aggarwal (IAS: 2003: HY), Mandip Brar (IAS: 2005: HY) and J Ganesan (IAS: 2006: HY).

Dr Aggarwal appears to be the frontrunner for the coveted post. However, Brar is also considered as a strong contender since he served as deputy commissioner of Chandigarh from 2018 to 2021. Tenure of Nitin Kumar Yadav (IAS: 2000: HY) ended on June 14, 2024 after which he joined the Union government as a joint secretary on central deputation. The Chandigarh Administration will forward the list of officers to the Centre for final approval. 

Chandigarh has been an aspirational city for both Punjab and Haryana so much so that none of them agreed to forgo its claim over the city which was ultimately made common capital and a Union Territory administered by Union Home Ministry. Interesting to underline that an amicable administrative arrangement was crafted to suit the neighbouring states. Home Secretary and Deputy Commissioner posts for Chandigarh were earmarked for Haryana Cadre officers while Finance Secretary and SSP posts were earmarked for the Punjab Cadre officers.