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Patna, Bihar News | India News – Senior IAS officer Pratyaya Amrit, a 1991 batch officer, has taken charge as the new Chief Secretary of Bihar, marking a historic rise to the top rung of bureaucracy. His appointment is being hailed across administrative and political circles as the state prepares to enter a new phase of governance under his leadership.
From reviving collapsing corporations to transforming Bihar’s road network, electrifying thousands of villages, and handling the unprecedented migrant crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, Amrit has built a reputation as a man who delivers on seemingly impossible tasks. His journey reflects not just administrative acumen but also resilience, vision, and innovation — qualities that many argue Bihar desperately needs in its bureaucracy.
When Pratyaya Amrit was appointed Managing Director of the Bridge Construction Corporation in 2006, the situation was bleak. The corporation, on the verge of closure, was almost lifeless. Employees had gone months without salaries, and starvation deaths were being reported. At that time, shutting it down seemed like the only option.
However, Amrit thought differently. Instead of accepting collapse, he set in motion a revival plan that not only rescued the corporation but also turned it into a profit-making body. This early success set the tone for his career and established him as a bureaucrat capable of reversing hopeless situations.
His leadership transformed the Bridge Construction Corporation into a functional and profitable enterprise, earning the trust of both employees and the government. It also paved the way for his next major role — rebuilding Bihar’s broken road infrastructure.
For decades, Bihar had earned a poor reputation for its roads. Broken highways, pothole-ridden stretches, and non-existent connectivity had become symbols of neglect. As Secretary of the Road Construction Department, Amrit brought a drastic turnaround.
He spearheaded projects covering national highways and state highways, ensuring new road construction while simultaneously repairing and modernizing existing roads. The difference was visible within a short span — where potholes once dominated, smooth blacktops started appearing.
Observers described this phase as nothing short of a “miracle” for Bihar’s road sector. Connectivity improved not just between cities but also in rural areas, unlocking growth, reducing travel time, and boosting economic activity. For a state long associated with poor infrastructure, this achievement marked a turning point.
If road development was a milestone, electrification was a mammoth challenge. During the 2014 state elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had made a bold promise: either provide 24×7 electricity to Bihar’s people or not return to seek votes. The responsibility of fulfilling this politically sensitive promise was handed to Pratyaya Amrit.
At that time, Bihar was infamously known as the “dark spot of India.” Out of 39,000 villages, only 12,565 villages had access to electricity. Even towns faced frequent outages, and uninterrupted power was a distant dream.
Amrit devised a massive action plan:
Against all odds, the mission succeeded. By October 2018, Bihar had achieved near-total electrification — a record-time accomplishment that changed the state’s image overnight. For the first time in decades, people in Bihar enjoyed regular power supply, boosting education, industry, and quality of life.
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Bihar faced a humanitarian crisis. As lockdowns were announced nationwide, lakhs of migrant workers who had built their lives in other states were suddenly forced to return home.
As Principal Secretary, Health and Disaster Management, Pratyaya Amrit shouldered the responsibility of managing this influx. The challenges were overwhelming — quarantine centers had to be set up, health checks conducted, food and shelter arranged, and Covid protocols enforced.
Despite the magnitude, Amrit’s structured approach and meticulous planning helped the state navigate the crisis. While Bihar did face difficulties, experts agree that his handling prevented chaos and ensured that returning migrants were managed with dignity.
Pratyaya Amrit’s career has consistently shown one trait: execution capability. Bureaucrats may often be criticized for red tape and delay, but Amrit has been praised for delivering results.
Whether it was reviving a dying corporation, building roads, electrifying villages, or handling disaster management, his ability to implement policy at the ground level has made him stand out. Even his critics admit that few in Bihar’s bureaucracy can match his mix of vision, capability, and hands-on leadership.
As Bihar’s new Chief Secretary, Amrit now holds the state’s top bureaucratic post. His role will be central in policy implementation, governance, and coordination between departments.
Analysts believe his experience in infrastructure, power, and crisis management will help Bihar tackle its current challenges — from improving healthcare and education to driving industrial investment and employment opportunities.
There is also a growing consensus that Bihar’s governance model requires more officers like him. As one senior administrator put it: “Had Bihar been served by half a dozen bureaucrats like Pratyaya, it would have emerged as one of the best administered states in India.”
With Bihar facing economic, social, and developmental challenges, Pratyaya Amrit’s appointment comes at a crucial time. His proven record offers hope for citizens who want faster development and transparent governance.
Whether it is continuing to strengthen infrastructure, improving public services, or managing new challenges, Amrit will now be at the helm of decision-making.
The story of Pratyaya Amrit is not just the story of one officer’s rise; it is the story of how determined leadership can transform systems, revive institutions, and change people’s lives. His appointment as Chief Secretary of Bihar reflects both recognition of his past achievements and expectation of future contributions.
As Bihar looks forward, the people will be watching closely — hoping that under his leadership, the state moves closer to the vision of becoming a well-administered, developed part of India.