The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is learnt to have cleared the name of S K Srivastava as the new chief secretary of Delhi. The 1980 batch IAS officer of UT cadre is at present posted as additional secretary and financial adviser in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Srivastava will replace D M Spolia, the 1976 batch IAS officer considered close to former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. The appointment of Srivastava comes after Home Ministry received a letter from the new Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recommending the name of Srivastava for the top job.

The name of Srivastava was suggested by principal secretary Rajender Kumar who took over recently. Srivastava has earlier served as vice-chairman of Delhi Development Authority. He has also served as Chief Secretary of Goa. A formal announcement on Srivastava’s name is likely to be made by Tuesday evening, said sources.