Abhilaksh Likhi IAS given additional charge as Secretary- Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Shri Abhilaksh Likhi IAS (Haryana 1991) presently Secretary- Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been given the additional charge as Secretary- Ministry of Panchayati Raj with immediate effect till 20.05.2026 during the period of absence on leave of Shri Vivek Bhardwaj IAS (West Bengal 1990).
The Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, serves as the administrative head of the ministry and is responsible for overseeing policies, programs, and governance initiatives related to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India. The position is generally held by a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer with extensive experience in rural development, governance, public administration, and policy implementation.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj works toward strengthening grassroots democracy and promoting decentralized governance through elected local self-government institutions in rural areas. The Secretary plays a key role in formulating and implementing policies aimed at empowering Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads to ensure effective local governance and rural development.
The office is responsible for coordinating with state governments and Union Territories to improve the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions and enhance citizen participation in decision-making processes. The Secretary also oversees initiatives related to capacity building, financial devolution, digital governance, transparency, accountability, and rural infrastructure development.
A major focus of the ministry is strengthening local governance through programs that support planning, implementation, and monitoring of development schemes at the village level. The Secretary supervises efforts related to e-governance platforms, social audits, women’s participation in local bodies, and inclusive rural administration.
The role also involves policy coordination with other ministries and departments to ensure effective implementation of rural welfare and development schemes through Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Secretary represents the ministry in parliamentary matters, inter-ministerial discussions, national conferences, and policy review mechanisms.
As the senior-most bureaucratic authority in the ministry, the Secretary contributes significantly to advancing democratic decentralization, improving rural governance systems, and promoting sustainable and inclusive development at the grassroots level across India.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Abhilaksh Likhi the very best.