Governance – Centre Announces Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across Key Ministries
Governance – In a wide-ranging administrative overhaul, the central government on Tuesday introduced several high-level appointments across ministries and departments, aiming to reinforce governance and streamline policy execution.
Key Leadership Changes in Information and Aviation Sectors
Among the most prominent decisions, Chanchal Kumar has been appointed as the new Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A senior Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1992 Bihar cadre, Kumar previously served as Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. He replaces Sanjay Jaju, who will now head the same northeastern development ministry.
In another crucial appointment, Vir Vikram Yadav has taken charge as Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Yadav, an IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, succeeds Faiz Ahmed Kidwai. Kidwai has been reassigned as Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training. Both officers have assumed their new responsibilities with immediate effect.
Broader Administrative Realignment Across Ministries
The reshuffle, cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, extends across several important departments. It reflects a broader strategy to ensure stability in governance and effective delivery of public policies.
Rohit Kansal, who was serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, has now been appointed Secretary in the Department of Rural Development. His appointment is seen as part of the government’s continued emphasis on strengthening rural infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, currently leading the Unique Identification Authority of India as Chief Executive Officer, has been named Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, Srivatsa Krishna, who previously held that position, will now move to the Ministry of Minority Affairs in a similar capacity.
Changes at Additional Secretary Level
Several appointments have also been made at the additional secretary level, signaling adjustments in operational leadership across departments.
Sanjay Lohiya, who is presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Mines, has been elevated as Special Secretary in the Department of Financial Services under the Finance Ministry. He is expected to take over as Secretary after the retirement of the current incumbent, Nagaraju Maddirala, at the end of May.
Diwakar Nath Mishra, earlier working in the Department of Revenue, has been reassigned as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power. Mona K. Khandar has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
In the agriculture sector, Gyanendra D. Tripathi has been given dual responsibility. He will serve as Additional Secretary in the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and also as Secretary of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Appointments in Information, Planning, and Education Bodies
Other significant placements include Vishal Gagan, who has been appointed Secretary in the Central Information Commission. N Gulzar will take on the role of Member Secretary of the National Capital Region Planning Board, holding the rank of Additional Secretary.
Abhishek Singh, currently serving as Director General of the National Informatics Centre, has been moved to the Ministry of Education as Director General of the National Testing Agency, an institution responsible for conducting major national-level examinations.
Departmental Leadership Transitions Continue
Narendra Bhooshan, a 1992-batch IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Secretary in the Department of Land Resources. Tejveer Singh, belonging to the Punjab cadre, will now serve as Secretary in the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
Nivedita Shukla Verma, who previously held that position, has been reassigned as Secretary in the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. She will also hold additional charge of the Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare.
Focus on Continuity and Governance Efficiency
The reshuffle reflects the government’s effort to maintain continuity in administration while placing experienced officers in strategic roles. By aligning leadership across ministries, the changes are expected to support smoother coordination and more effective implementation of national policies