Shashi Prakash Goyal, a senior IAS officer from the 1989 batch, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He succeeds Manoj Kumar Singh, who retired on July 31, 2025. Goyal's appointment marks the end of speculation regarding a possible extension for Singh.

Goyal is considered a highly trusted officer of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and has been a key figure in the state's administration since the beginning of Adityanath's tenure. Before assuming the role of Chief Secretary, Goyal served as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, also holding responsibilities for the Civil Aviation, Estate, and Protocol Departments. Additionally, he was the Additional Resident Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh.

Born on January 20, 1967, Shashi Prakash Goyal is originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He distinguished himself early in his career, topping the Civil Services Exam in 1989. Goyal holds a B.Sc (Hons) degree, a Master's in Computer Applications, and an Executive Master's in International Business (EMIB) from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). His academic background provides a strong foundation for his administrative roles.

Throughout his career, Goyal has held various important positions within the Uttar Pradesh government. His first posting was as an Assistant Magistrate in Etawah district. He later served as Chief Development Officer in Aligarh, Bahraich, and Meerut districts, and as District Magistrate in Mathura, Etawah, Prayagraj, and Deoria. He also served as Secretary, Planning Department and Principal Secretary, Programme Implementation Department during the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh.

Goyal's experience extends to the central government, where he served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource and Higher Education after the formation of the Modi government. He returned to Uttar Pradesh in 2017, following the formation of the BJP government, and was appointed Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

After assuming the office of Chief Secretary on July 31, 2025, Goyal expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for entrusting him with this significant responsibility. He affirmed the state government's commitment to policies emphasizing zero tolerance, zero corruption, industrial development, and economic development. Goyal stated that all efforts would be made to advance Uttar Pradesh on the path to development and transform it into a one trillion dollar economy. He also stressed the importance of completing development projects in a timely manner and ensuring top quality. Goyal aims to establish Uttar Pradesh as an industrial hub, creating opportunities for the youth and ensuring a prosperous state for all citizens.

As Chief Secretary, Goyal will oversee several key departments, including Infrastructure & Industrial Development, the Coordination Department, UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), and projects like Jewar Airport & Ganga Expressway.

Goyal's appointment is seen as a move to reinforce good governance, policy continuity, and administrative excellence in Uttar Pradesh. His extensive experience and close working relationship with the Chief Minister position him well to lead the state's bureaucracy and drive its development agenda.