New Delhi (31.01.2025): Recent notifications from the Indian government have ushered in several notable appointments and re-designations within various ministries and departments, signaling shifts aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness.
On January 30, 2025, Amit Meena (IAS: 2011: KL), previously serving as Deputy Secretary, has been re-designated as Director in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. This change grants him an extended mandate until March 30, 2026, culminating in a total tenure of five years since his central deputation commenced on March 30, 2021.
Poonam Meena (IRS C&IT: 2011) will now hold the position of Director at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, effective until January 26, 2027, following her re-designation from Deputy Secretary. Her central deputation began on January 27, 2022, marking her commitment to the health sector during turbulent times.
Meanwhile, on January 31, 2025, Vineet Vinayak (IPS: 1995: SK) has been appointed as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), with his term set for five years. His appointment reflects the administration's focus on reinforcing law enforcement against drug trafficking.
Rajeev Singh Thakur (IAS: 1995: RJ) officially transitioned to the role of Adviser at NITI Aayog, temporarily upgraded to the rank and pay of Additional Secretary as part of this reshaping exercise. He will enjoy this elevated status following the extension of his central deputation until December 3, 2025.
Central deputation tenure for Santosh Kumar Yadav (IAS: 1995: UP) at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also been extended until February 17, 2027, solidifying his leadership role over significant infrastructure projects.
The reshuffling continues with the appointment of Arshad Ayub Sheikh (IAS: 2013: UT) as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Personnel & Training, slated to serve until October 31, 2028. Ragul K (IAS: 2012: SK) has now assumed the role of Regional Director at the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Southern Region based in Chennai for the next four years.
Further updates include Namrata Gandhi (IAS: 2013: CG) being designated as Deputy Secretary within the Cabinet Secretariat, with her assignment extending for four years. Shweta Teotia (IAS: 2011: GJ) and Priyanka Das (IAS: 2009: MP) have been appointed as Deputy Directors at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, also for five-year terms.
On the corporate front, the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) announced on January 31, 2025, the selection of H Shankar as the Managing Director (MD) of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), pending the requisite clearances and approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Shankar, currently Director (Technical) at CPCL, highlights the increased emphasis on competent leadership within the public sector.
Shifts within the higher ranks are not limited to bureaucratic functions; on the same day, the government made headlines with the promotion of Narendra K Amin (IPS: 2003: GJ). Recently retired as Superintendent of Police, Amin received notional promotion to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) as per the Central Administrative Tribunal's order made over a year ago. This promotion reflects the complex intersections between judicial oversight and administrative decisions.
Finally, on the corporate outreach front, the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS) appointed around twelve ICLS Cadre officers as Regional Nodal Officers. This scheme seeks to facilitate connection between youth and opportunities within the corporate sector, targeting SC/OBC students to promote inclusivity. Eligible interns will receive 12 months of practical experience, financial support of Rs 4,500 assisted by the government and Rs 500 from the industry, along with additional grants and insurance coverage under government schemes.
The list of appointed officers includes Hamid Ali Shah Bukhari, Vedant Ojha, Manish Chandel, Indresh Singh Chauhan, Kolakaluri Aravind, Hirave Vaibhav Anil, Anumula Srikar, Venkataram Kavadikeri, Aparna Mudiam, Bankar Rujuta Dinesh, and Ankita Lahoty, signifying the government's commitment to bolster its outreach and create pathways for future opportunities.
These appointments and re-structuring reflect the government's continuing efforts to optimize administrative functions, ensuring effective governance through capable leadership, as documented by notifications on behalf of the concerned administrative ministries.