Sudhir Rajpal: A mind for tomorrow, a heart for the people

For Haryana’s future, the right choice is Sudhir Rajpal

As Haryana prepares for a pivotal transition in its top bureaucratic leadership, the impending retirement of Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on June 30, 2025, opens the door to a decision that will shape the state’s future trajectory. The appointment of the next Chief Secretary is not merely a matter of hierarchy or seniority—it is about entrusting the state’s administrative helm to a leader with a proven track record, visionary thinking, and the ability to respond to complex challenges with clarity and action. In that context, the name that stands out with unmatched credibility is IAS Sudhir Rajpal.

Rajpal has been a close contender for this position twice before—first when Vivek Joshi was appointed, and later, when Anurag Rastogi was chosen. Both times, he was the first runner-up, a reflection of his consistent standing among the top bureaucrats in the state. According to the current IAS gradation list of Haryana, Rajpal is now the senior-most officer in the cadre, while the present Chief Secretary, Anurag Rastogi, stands third in seniority. This further strengthens the case for Rajpal, who not only brings seniority but also unmatched administrative credentials.

While merit may not have been the sole deciding factor in previous appointments, the present circumstances demand a leader who combines experience with vision. Haryana can no longer afford to overlook an officer whose administrative finesse, strategic insight, and public-oriented governance have repeatedly proven effective across diverse sectors.

An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Sudhir Rajpal brings a rare blend of managerial competence and bureaucratic experience. His professional journey has seen him lead some of the most challenging and transformative portfolios in the state. His tenure as CEO of both the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) is widely acknowledged as a defining phase in the urban evolution of Haryana’s two most significant cities. Under his leadership, Gurugram and Faridabad witnessed substantial infrastructure upgrades, smart city initiatives, and integrated development planning that turned these urban spaces into benchmarks of modern governance. Whether it was implementing intelligent traffic management systems, modernizing public utilities, or enabling digital governance platforms, Rajpal brought systemic improvements that have had a long-lasting impact.

Notably, under his supervision in the Haryana Civil Aviation Department, the pace of work on the Hisar Airport project accelerated significantly. His push for inter-departmental coordination, timely clearances, and infrastructure expansion enabled the airport to move swiftly toward operational readiness. This very week, the airport is being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a moment that also reflects the quiet yet effective groundwork laid by officers like Rajpal who kept the project on a fast track behind the scenes.

Beyond urban development, Rajpal demonstrated an equal command in the education sector during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak. At a time when public universities often struggle with outdated curricula and administrative inertia, Rajpal introduced reforms that revitalized the academic environment. His efforts to align the university’s programs with market needs, enhance research capabilities, and improve student welfare initiatives earned him respect from faculty, students, and policymakers alike. His approach to higher education reform reflects his deep understanding of how quality education and skill development directly influence economic growth and social mobility.

Currently, Rajpal is overseeing four major departments—Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research, AYUSH, and Women and Child Development. Each of these departments plays a critical role in public life, and managing them simultaneously is no small feat. Yet, Rajpal has not only managed them but has driven substantial improvements. From boosting the capacity and quality of public healthcare institutions to promoting preventive care through AYUSH systems and launching integrated welfare schemes for women and children, his tenure has been marked by pragmatic decisions backed by data and community feedback.

Perhaps the most revealing chapter of Rajpal’s career came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a crisis that tested even the most seasoned administrators, he emerged as a reliable crisis manager. He was instrumental in strengthening the healthcare system’s readiness by scaling up ICU beds, ensuring uninterrupted oxygen supply, and improving inter-departmental coordination. He also played a key role in implementing mass vaccination campaigns and launching public awareness drives that helped control the spread of the virus. His ability to navigate a public health emergency while keeping administrative machinery functional was a testament to his resilience and leadership under pressure. One of the qualities that truly sets Sudhir Rajpal apart is his people-first approach. Known as a bureaucrat who keeps his doors open to the public, Rajpal has consistently demonstrated that governance is not merely about policy—it is about accessibility, empathy, and inclusion.

Whether dealing with urban residents in Gurugram, students at MDU, or frontline health workers during the pandemic, he has always prioritized dialogue and responsiveness. In an era when public trust in institutions is fragile, such an approach is not just refreshing—it is essential. What Haryana needs now is a Chief Secretary who can not only manage the routine but also anticipate the future. The state stands at the cusp of a major transformation. Its young population, expanding industrial base, and growing urban landscape demand a leadership that can harmonize economic development with social equity. With his background in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic planning, Rajpal offers the broad-spectrum administrative experience that this moment calls for. His IIM training equips him with a strategic mindset, while his grassroots experience grounds him in the realities of implementation.

There is also a question of fairness and recognition. It is rare for a bureaucrat to be in the top consideration for the Chief Secretary post on more than one occasion. That Rajpal has been a frontrunner twice already reflects not just his seniority but the consistent faith placed in his capability by those within and outside the system. This time, the choice is clearer than ever. With Rastogi’s retirement on the horizon, the state government must begin serious deliberations on the next chapter of Haryana’s governance. In Sudhir Rajpal, Haryana has a candidate who is not just capable, but also visionary; not just experienced, but also innovative; not just senior, but deeply committed to public service. He brings with him not just an administrative resume, but a legacy of reform, delivery, and leadership that Haryana needs at this crucial point in time.

The choice of the Chief Secretary is always a defining one. It reflects the priorities of a government, its appetite for reform, and its sensitivity to public expectations. As this opportunity arises once again, the state must ensure that it chooses a leader who reflects all three. Sudhir Rajpal is that leader. This time, Haryana must get it right. This time, it must be Sudhir Rajpal.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

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