Chandigarh: Anurag Verma, an IAS officer of 1993 batch, has been appointed as the next Chief Secretary of Punjab. He will be taking over from VK Janjua, who is retiring on June 30.

Currently, Verma is holding the post of Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs Department. He also oversees the areas of Legal and Legislative Affairs, Industries and Commerce, Information Technology, and Investment Promotion.

Verma, originally from Punjab and holding an electronics engineering degree from Thapar University, Patiala, is set to assume the post on July 1.

In addition, he will be taking on the role of Principal Secretary for Personnel and Vigilance.

Notably, despite being junior to 11 other officers, Verma has been named as the next Chief Secretary. This appointment makes him the 42nd Chief Secretary of the state. /BI/