The Union government on Thursday appointed seven senior IAS officers to top secretary-level positions, bringing significant administrative changes across crucial ministries including petroleum, telecom, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and tourism. The late evening order was issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Neeraj Mittal appointed petroleum secretary

Neeraj Mittal, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, has been appointed the new petroleum secretary. He replaces Pankaj Jain, who has been named the member secretary of the Eighth Pay Commission.

Mittal is no stranger to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He previously served as both director and joint secretary in the ministry, giving him extensive experience in core energy-sector governance. His return to the ministry is expected to strengthen policy continuity at a time when India is focusing on energy transition, fuel security and pricing reforms.

Amit Agrawal to take charge of telecom department

Amit Agrawal, an IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, will replace Mittal in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Agrawal presently serves as the secretary in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers (Pharmaceuticals).

His move to telecom comes at a critical juncture, with India preparing for wider 5G expansion, spectrum reforms, and digital infrastructure push under the Digital India programme.

Manoj Joshi moved to pharmaceuticals

Manoj Joshi, a 1989-batch IAS officer, has been shifted from the Department of Land Resources to the Department of Pharmaceuticals. His appointment signals the government’s focus on restructuring leadership in the pharmaceuticals sector, especially with ongoing policy discussions on bulk drug parks, drug pricing mechanisms, and India’s global competitiveness in manufacturing.

Changes in tourism and disability empowerment departments

V Vidyarthi has been transferred from the Ministry of Tourism to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Vidyarthi’s shift comes at a time when the department is enhancing accessibility campaigns, disability rights frameworks and welfare schemes.

Replacing him in the Tourism Ministry is fellow IAS officer Srivatsa Krishna from the Karnataka cadre. Krishna is expected to bring new perspectives to India’s tourism sector, which is witnessing rapid revival and expansion in the post-pandemic period.

Atish Chandra to take over agriculture in February

Atish Chandra, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre and currently serving in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has been appointed Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. He will formally assume office as secretary at the end of February when present secretary Devesh Chaturvedi retires.

Chandra’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment when the agriculture ministry is prioritising technological adoption, crop diversification, and long-term reforms to improve farmer income.

Sunil Paliwal named Inland Waterways Authority chairman

Sunil Paliwal, chairman of the Chennai Port Trust, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). With the Centre’s increasing emphasis on developing inland water transportation as an economical and eco-friendly mode of freight movement, Paliwal’s leadership is expected to drive major infrastructure initiatives.

Conclusion

The reshuffle reflects the government’s strategy to place experienced officers in critical administrative roles, especially in sectors undergoing structural reforms. As these officers assume charge, their leadership is expected to influence policy direction and accelerate ongoing national programmes.