A 1993-batch IAS officer Avinash Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand. He has brought vast experience in governance, power reforms, and development with him. A seasoned bureaucrat with multifaceted administrative experience, Kumar is widely regarded as one of the most trusted officers in Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s inner circle. Actually, his appointment was delayed amid Centre-State power play. Before taking charge as Chief Secretary, Avinash Kumar simultaneously handled a number of key responsibilities. He was looking after over half-a-dozen different departments. He was Additional Chief Secretary (Chief Minister’s Office), where he was instrumental in coordinating with the CMO on the state’s strategic governance priorities.