The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a significant round of top-level bureaucratic postings, appointing 14 senior IAS officers as Secretaries to the Government of India. This major reshuffle highlights the government’s focus on strengthening leadership across key ministries and departments by positioning highly experienced officers in pivotal roles. The decision reflects an emphasis on efficiency, accountability, and continuity in governance, ensuring that critical policy areas are guided by capable leadership. These appointments are expected to accelerate reforms, improve service delivery, and enhance institutional effectiveness across sectors that are central to national development.
Among the notable appointments, Ms. Alka Upadhyaya IAS (Madhya Pradesh 1990), presently Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, has been appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs. Her extensive experience in administration and policy-making will strengthen the commission’s efforts in safeguarding minority rights and fostering inclusive development. Similarly, Shri Rajit Punhani IAS (Bihar 1991), currently Secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. With his robust track record in governance, he is expected to enhance regulatory mechanisms for food safety and public health standards across the country.
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee IAS (AGMUT 1991), presently Secretary in the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Her administrative expertise will be instrumental in shaping skill development initiatives, promoting workforce training, and supporting the nation’s employment goals. Shri Vijay Kumar IAS (AGMUT 1992), Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with the rank and pay of Secretary. He will formally take over as Secretary of the ministry on 30th September 2025, bringing his expertise in inland waterways and maritime infrastructure to enhance India’s transport and logistics ecosystem.
Shri V. L. Kantha Rao IAS (Madhya Pradesh 1992), Secretary in the Ministry of Mines, will assume charge as Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. His appointment reflects the government’s focus on sustainable water management and the rejuvenation of rivers, an area vital for agricultural, ecological, and urban development. Ms. Sukriti Likhi IAS (Haryana 1993), currently Chairperson of the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, in the rank of Secretary, with effect from 1st October 2025. She will assume full charge as Secretary on 31st October 2025, where her leadership will be crucial in implementing policies for the welfare of armed forces personnel and veterans.
Ms. Ranjana Chopra IAS (Odisha 1994), presently Special Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Culture, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the rank of Secretary. She will formally assume charge as Secretary on 31st October 2025, bringing her strong administrative experience to strengthen tribal welfare programs and initiatives aimed at inclusive growth. Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar IAS (Rajasthan 1994), currently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, has been appointed as Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. His background in environmental governance is expected to complement his new responsibilities in supporting sustainable growth in livestock and dairy sectors.
Shri Niraj Verma IAS (Assam-Meghalaya 1994), Administrator of the Universal Service Obligation Fund under the Department of Telecommunications, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, in the rank of Secretary. He will formally take over as Secretary on 31st August 2025, where his administrative acumen will contribute to judicial reforms and improved justice delivery. Shri Atish Chandra IAS (Bihar 1994), presently Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been elevated to the post of Special Secretary by temporarily upgrading his position to the rank of Secretary, reflecting the government’s confidence in his capabilities to handle sensitive policy matters.
Shri Piyush Goyal IAS (Nagaland 1994), CEO of NATGRID in the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Mines. His experience in national security and administration will support strategic growth and resource management in the mining sector. Shri Sanjay Garg IAS (Kerala 1994), Additional Secretary in the Department of Agricultural Research & Education and Secretary of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Bureau of Indian Standards, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, in the rank of Secretary. He will formally assume charge as Director General of BIS on 31st October 2025, bringing his expertise to strengthen standards and consumer protection initiatives.
Ms. Roli Singh IAS (Rajasthan 1994), Additional Secretary in the Department of Health & Family Welfare, has been appointed as Chairperson of the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention, in the rank of Secretary. Her leadership will reinforce India’s commitments to international conventions and compliance frameworks. Ms. Trishaljit Sethi IPoS (1990), Director General (Training) in the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, has been appointed as Secretary of the Central Vigilance Commission. Her appointment is expected to strengthen transparency, accountability, and ethical governance across government institutions.
This latest round of appointments reflects a strategic alignment of senior leadership with national priorities, emphasizing efficiency, expertise, and visionary governance. By placing officers with diverse backgrounds and proven administrative experience at the helm of critical ministries, the government ensures that policy implementation, institutional reforms, and public service delivery are handled with utmost competence. IndianBureaucracy.com congratulates all the officers on their well-deserved appointments and wishes them success as they undertake these new responsibilities in service of the nation.