Centre Appoints Seven New Secretary-Rank Officers

The Union government has announced major administrative reshuffles with the appointment of seven new secretary-rank officers across key ministries. The changes aim to streamline leadership in crucial sectors such as petroleum, telecom, agriculture, and infrastructure.

New Leadership in Petroleum and Telecom Ministries

Neeraj Mittal has been appointed Petroleum Secretary, replacing Pankaj Jain, who moves to the Eighth Pay Commission as member secretary. Mittal, an officer with prior experience in the ministry, will be succeeded in the Department of Telecom by Amit Agrawal, who previously served as Pharmaceuticals Secretary.

Reassignments Across Core Government Departments

Manoj Joshi transitions from the Department of Land Resources to lead the pharmaceuticals portfolio. In tourism, V Vidyarthi has been shifted to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, with Srivatsa Krishna stepping in to take charge of the tourism department.

Key Appointment in Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Atish Chandra, currently serving in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been designated as officer on special duty for the agriculture ministry. He will formally assume the role of Secretary in February upon the retirement of the incumbent, Devesh Chaturvedi.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Seven secretary-rank appointments were finalised by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet.
• Neeraj Mittal is the new Petroleum Secretary; Amit Agrawal moves to telecom.
• Manoj Joshi takes over pharmaceuticals; Srivatsa Krishna becomes Tourism Secretary.
• Atish Chandra will assume charge as Agriculture Secretary in February 2026.

Strengthening Institutional Oversight and Infrastructure

Sunil Paliwal, chairman of the Chennai Port Trust, has been appointed head of the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The new set of appointments is expected to reinforce governance across strategic ministries and enhance administrative continuity.