Centre Approves Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle With Seven New Secretaries

Centre Appoints Seven New Secretary-Rank Officers Across Key Ministries

The Union government has undertaken a significant bureaucratic reshuffle with the appointment of seven new secretary-rank officers in critical ministries and departments. The restructuring aims to improve administrative efficiency and strengthen leadership in strategic sectors such as petroleum, telecom, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

Key Changes in Petroleum and Telecom Sectors

Neeraj Mittal has been appointed as the new Petroleum Secretary, succeeding Pankaj Jain. Jain has been shifted as the Member Secretary of the Eighth Pay Commission. Mittal, who previously served in the telecom department, will now be replaced there by Amit Agrawal, the outgoing Pharmaceuticals Secretary. Agrawal’s move reflects the Centre’s effort to realign experienced officers to priority sectors.

Reshuffling Across Core Government Departments

Manoj Joshi has been transferred from the Department of Land Resources to take charge of the Pharmaceuticals Ministry. In a parallel move, V Vidyarthi, previously overseeing tourism, has been reassigned to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Stepping into the role of Tourism Secretary is IAS officer Srivatsa Krishna, who brings extensive administrative experience to the position.

Critical Appointment in Agriculture Ministry

The government has appointed Atish Chandra—currently serving in the Prime Minister’s Office—as Officer on Special Duty for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. He is set to formally assume the post of Agriculture Secretary in February 2026, following the retirement of Devesh Chaturvedi.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Institutional Oversight

Sunil Paliwal, chairman of Chennai Port Trust, has been selected to head the Inland Waterways Authority of India. These appointments reflect the government’s focus on reinforcing administrative continuity and enhancing governance across high-impact sectors.

Exam Point

• Seven secretary-rank officers appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

• Neeraj Mittal becomes Petroleum Secretary ; Amit Agrawal moves to Telecom .

• Manoj Joshi takes charge of Pharmaceuticals ; Srivatsa Krishna is the new Tourism Secretary .

• Atish Chandra to assume role of Agriculture Secretary in Feb 2026 .

• Sunil Paliwal appointed as head of the Inland Waterways Authority of India .