Eight IAS Officers in Himachal to Retire by 2026

Shimla, August 21:
The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a notification announcing a significant development in the state’s administrative services. As per the notification, eight senior IAS officers of the Himachal cadre will superannuate in 2026 upon reaching the age of retirement. The large number of retirements in a single year is being seen as a major event for the state’s administrative framework.

According to the notification, on January 31, 2026, the first to retire will be Rakhil Kahlon (2008 batch), currently serving as Secretary (Digital Technologies & Governance and Jal Shakti Department). On the same day, Vinod Kumar (2009 batch), Divisional Commissioner, Kangra, will also retire. Following them, on February 28, 2026, Rajesh Sharma (2008 batch), Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, will superannuate.

Next, on March 31, 2026, Gopal Chand (2011 batch), CEO-cum-Managing Director, Shimla Smart City Limited, will retire. On May 31, 2026, senior IAS officer Sanjay Gupta (1988 batch), Chairman, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited, and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Ropeways & Rapid Transport System Development Corporation, will step down.

On August 31, 2026, Rajeshwar Goyal (2012 batch), Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd, Shimla, will retire. Later, on November 30, 2026, Dr. R.K. Paruthi (2009 batch), Divisional Commissioner, Mandi, will superannuate. The year will conclude with the retirement of Dorje Chhering Negi (2011 batch), Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Shimla, on December 31, 2026.

These eight officers have made notable contributions while serving in key departments of the state government. The year 2026 is expected to be historic for Himachal’s administrative services, as the simultaneous retirement of so many senior IAS officers will mark a significant reshaping of the state’s bureaucratic structure.