Patna: In a significant administrative reshuffle involving a large number of senior officers, the Bihar government on Tuesday appointed Sanjeev Hans, IAS (1997 batch) as Additional Member of the Board of Revenue, even as it transferred and reassigned 15 IAS officers across key departments. The notification, issued by the General Administration Department, signals a fresh round of realignment aimed at strengthening governance and administrative oversight in the state.
Hans’ appointment to the Board of Revenue comes after a series of high-profile assignments in some of Bihar’s most critical sectors, where he has been closely associated with reform-led, technology-driven governance. Over the years, he has held leadership positions in the water resources and energy departments, shaping flagship initiatives and institutional reforms.
As Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department, Hans played a key role in conceptualising and executing the Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojana, a large-scale water lift project designed to channel surplus floodwater from the Ganga to provide potable drinking water to three districts of south Bihar. The initiative addressed long-standing drinking water scarcity while offering a sustainable response in a flood-prone region.
He later served as Principal Secretary, Energy Department, and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL). During his tenure, the state power utility reported a record profit of Rs 214.66 crore in 2022–23, reflecting a focus on financial discipline and operational reforms. Citizen-centric initiatives such as SAMADHAN and SAMRIDHI strengthened service delivery and grievance redressal, while the structured use of social media platforms improved transparency and responsiveness, with a stated commitment to resolve consumer complaints within 24 hours.
Under his leadership, Bihar also emerged as a leading state in the rollout of smart prepaid electricity meters, with installations crossing 12 lakh, a milestone acknowledged at the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries. The state’s rooftop solar programme received appreciation from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, while workplace reforms such as the introduction of a creche and sanitary vending machines highlighted an emphasis on employee welfare and inclusivity.
Hans additionally pushed the adoption of advanced technologies to improve governance outcomes. Artificial intelligence-based systems were deployed to detect electricity theft, supported by a dedicated revenue monitoring cell and a special task force. Digital platforms such as the SAMEEKSHA app and the Raid and FIR Management System further enhanced transparency and ease of living for consumers.
The reshuffle also includes several other key postings. Vinay Kumar, who has recently returned from central deputation, has been appointed Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department, one of the state’s most politically and administratively sensitive portfolios. N Vijayalakshmi, IAS (1995 batch), has been transferred as Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development Department, with additional charge as Secretary of the Bihar State Planning Board and Project Director of the Bihar Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Society.
BI Bureau
