Harinder Hira, IAS Officer of 1976 batch and presently Additional Chief Secretary has been appointed as new Chief Secretary of the State. She succeeds Rajwant Sandhu.

Harinder Hira had her education in Convent of Jesus and Merry St. Bedes College in Shimla. She remained Deputy Commissioner, Chamba, Director Welfare, Principal Secretary, Irrigation and Public Health, Food and Civil Supplies, Science and Technology, Welfare and Urban Development, Financial Commissioner, Revenue. Hira also remained Deputy Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India. She was appointed as Additional Chief Secretary on 23rd October, 2008.