Chandigarh, October 12, 2025:A farewell function was organised at the Punjab Raj Bhavan Saturday evening to bid adieu to three distinguished officers – Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, on his transfer as Chief Secretary, New Delhi, and Sh. Ajay Chagti, IAS, and Sh. Ramesh Gupta, State Informatics Officer, on their retirement from government service.

The event was also marked by a warm welcome extended to Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, the newly appointed Chief Secretary of UT Chandigarh.

Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, presided over the function and honoured the three officers for their exceptional service.

Lady Governor Smt. Anita Kataria was also present at the occasion.

In his address, the Hon’ble Governor lauded Sh. Rajeev Verma for his sincere and dedicated tenure as Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh. He highlighted that under Sh. Verma's leadership, the Union Territory achieved significant milestones, including the successful implementation of the three new criminal laws – a first in the country – and the privatisation of the power sector in Chandigarh.

Sh. Kataria acknowledged that the accomplishments made in the UT over the past one and a half years were largely due to the able leadership, guidance, and close monitoring by Sh. Verma. He extended his best wishes to him for his prestigious new assignment as Chief Secretary of Delhi.

Rajeev Verma, former Chief Secretary UT MHA expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity to work under the able guidance and leadership of Sh.Gulab Chand Kataria. He also expressed his sincere thanks to the team of officers of the Chandigarh Administration who collaborated with him during his tenure in Chandigarh.

The Hon’ble Governor also conveyed his heartfelt best wishes to Sh. Ajay Chagti and Sh. Ramesh Gupta for a fulfilling and purposeful post-retirement life, appreciating their valuable contributions to public service.

During the ceremony, the Administrator formally welcomed Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad as the new Chief Secretary of UT Chandigarh, expressing confidence in his leadership and wishing him success in his new role.

The newly appointed Chief Secretary of UT Chandigarh, H. Rajesh Prasad, conveyed his thanks to the Administrator for the warm welcome. He reaffirmed his commitment to working in close collaboration with all stakeholders to help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He underscored that justice, fairness, transparency, and efficiency will be the guiding principles of his administration, with the public interest remaining the utmost priority.

The event was attended by Sh. Vivek Partap Singh, Principal Secretary to HG, Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary, Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary, Prerna Puri, Secretary Education and other officers of the Chandigarh Administration.