Govt Announces Major Bureaucratic Shake-Up

The Government has executed a major, secretary-level bureaucratic reshuffle, injecting experienced officers into key ministries including Petroleum, Telecommunications, Pharmaceuticals, and Agriculture. This realignment aims to bring deep sector knowledge and policy expertise to ministries as they finalise preparations for the next financial year and navigate critical regulatory landscapes.

Neeraj Mittal (IAS, 1992, TN cadre) has been appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This marks a return for Mittal, who previously worked on energy reforms as a Joint Secretary in the same ministry. He moves from the Department of Telecommunications, bringing a focus on supply security, exploration investment, and energy transition to the petroleum sector.

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Amit Agrawal (IAS, 1993, CG cadre) takes over as the new Telecom Secretary. Agrawal, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur with expertise in digital governance, previously led the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). His move is critical as the telecom sector manages regulatory changes, security issues, and the expansion of domestic manufacturing.

Manoj Joshi (IAS, 1989, KL cadre) moves to head the Department of Pharmaceuticals. His diverse background in land management, urban affairs, and regulatory coordination is expected to support the government’s push for manufacturing parks, bulk drug capacity, and medical device expansion.

Atish Chandra (IAS, 1994, BH cadre), currently Special Secretary in the PMO, has been named Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. With prior experience in food and agriculture, he will assume the role of Agriculture Secretary from February 1st, following the superannuation of Devesh Chaturvedi.

Sunil Paliwal (IAS, 1993, TN cadre), previously the Chairperson of the Chennai Port Trust, is appointed Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The post has been temporarily upgraded to a secretary rank, utilising his extensive maritime infrastructure experience.

V Vidyavathi, the current Tourism Secretary, has been shifted to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Srivatsa Krishna (IAS, 1994), known for his work in technology and investment promotion, will replace her as the new Tourism Secretary.

In the Ministry of Law and Justice, Anju Rathi Rana, Secretary in the Department of Legal Affairs, has been appointed Member Secretary of the 23rd Law Commission of India.

The tenure of Rajiv Mani, Secretary of the Legislative Department, has been extended until July 2028. He will also hold an additional charge of the Department of Legal Affairs, providing continuity during the vetting of multiple legislative proposals.