Three names are in fray to succeed Ashok Thakur, Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Government of India. The three names are:
- The 1979 batch IAS officer of UP cadre, Vijay Shankar Pandey, He was the victim of Mulayam Yadav and Mayawati and now expected o join as Secretary.
- The 1981 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, Dr. Hasmukh Adhia. He is already empanelled at Secretary level in the Govt of India.
- The 1981 batch IAS officer of UP cadre, Ms Vrinda Swarup. She is already Additional Secretary in the ministry.
