IndianBureaucracyPRO

Indian Bureaucracy

Home
Appointments
Central
Defence
State
PSU
Web Stories
Journal
Classified
Leaders Speak
Trade
- FICCI
- ASSOCHAM
- CII
- PHD CCI
- BRICS CCI
- PRSD
- Corporate
Events
StartUps
Astrology

Home Blog Page 141

Ayushman Bharat Reaches Delhi: Game-Changer in Health Access for Millions

April 6, 2025

In a historic development, Delhi became the 35th State/Union Territory to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The implementation follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of NCT Delhi. The MoU was signed by Smt. L.S. Changsan, Additional Secretary, MoHFW & CEO, NHA, and Dr. S.B. Deepak Kumar, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Government of NCT Delhi.

The signing ceremony was presided over by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers, in the presence of Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi; Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways; Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals and Fertilizers; and Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Delhi’s Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Transport, and IT. The event was also attended by MPs from Delhi, senior health officials including Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, and Shri Dharmendra, Chief Secretary of Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, Shri J.P. Nadda expressed pride that the world’s largest health coverage scheme is finally being implemented in the national capital. Emphasizing that the scheme is based on trust, he clarified that it is an assurance scheme rather than an insurance model. He highlighted that using the economic caste census, 50 crore individuals were brought under this initiative, making it the first of its kind in India. Additionally, 36 lakh frontline health workers, including ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, are now covered under both AB PM-JAY and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojana, ensuring comprehensive social security.

A key announcement was that under the implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of socio-economic status, will now be covered under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, offering ₹5 lakh in free health coverage, including for pre-existing conditions from day one. This initiative is expected to benefit more than 6 lakh senior citizens in Delhi from around 4.5 lakh families. Overall, an estimated 36 lakh people in Delhi will benefit under this expanded coverage, including those from over 6.5 lakh families.

Shri Nadda added that the scheme targets over 55 crore beneficiaries, covering 12 crore families or nearly 40% of India’s vulnerable population. He noted that the scheme has significantly reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, from 62% in 2014 to 38% today. Quoting a recent LANCET study, he stated that access to cancer treatment improved substantially, with a 90% increase in patients starting treatment within 30 days under AB PM-JAY.

Speaking at the event, Smt. Rekha Gupta expressed optimism that Delhiites would now receive ₹5 lakh health coverage per family annually, with an additional ₹5 lakh top-up from the Delhi government, effectively doubling the benefit. She stated that 6.54 lakh families in Delhi would gain from this initiative. Beneficiaries will now have access to 1,961 health benefit packages across 27 medical specialties, featuring upgraded procedures and enhanced rates for hospital care. She also informed that card distribution for the scheme would begin on April 10, 2025.

Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State, described the day as historic for the people of Delhi, symbolizing a shared commitment between the central and Delhi governments to offer quality, affordable healthcare. She reiterated that ₹1.75 crore in out-of-pocket expenses have been saved so far through the AB PM-JAY and that all 6.54 lakh families in Delhi will now benefit, including all senior citizens aged 70 and above.

Launched on September 23, 2018, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY has revolutionized healthcare access for millions of poor and vulnerable families across India. In just five years, the scheme has enabled timely access to quality healthcare while protecting families from catastrophic health expenditures, especially during emergencies. With its extension to Delhi, the initiative is set to further empower and protect the capital’s citizens with equitable and dignified healthcare access.

Startup Maharathi Awards

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, presented the ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards on the concluding day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held in New Delhi. Addressing a vibrant gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem enablers, the Minister commended all participants, describing them as true “Maharathis”—skilled warriors driving the momentum of India’s startup revolution.

“Each of the 2,400 participants in the Maharathi Grand Challenge, and the 3,000 exhibitors at Startup Mahakumbh, are on a remarkable journey toward success,” Shri Goyal said, acknowledging the vast talent and energy within the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Encouraging young founders to dream big, he urged them to go beyond present limitations. “The potential you possess will define your contribution to India’s journey during this Amrit Kaal. Let this Startup Mahakumbh inspire aspirations that transcend current realities,” he stated.

Highlighting the event’s unprecedented scale, Shri Goyal noted a significant jump in participation—from 3,000 visitors last year to a record 2.3 lakh this year, underscoring India’s rapid strides in innovation and startup growth.

He also emphasized the inclusive nature of the ecosystem, revealing that 40% of the applicants to the Maharathi Challenge hailed from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a notable presence of women-led startups. “Women are emerging as key contributors to India’s progress, leading with dedication and creativity,” he added.

Shri Goyal highlighted the Government’s ongoing reforms to improve the Ease of Doing Business, stating that over 40,000 compliances have been removed or simplified and numerous laws decriminalized, paving the way for startups to operate more freely and fairly.

In a key announcement, the Minister revealed that the Ministry of Commerce & Industry will launch a Startup India Desk, accessible via a 4-digit toll-free number, offering multilingual support and serving as a central helpdesk for startups nationwide.

Further strengthening the startup support ecosystem, Shri Goyal shared that the Second Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)—with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore—has received approval from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Of this, ₹2,000 crore will be disbursed this year through SIDBI. A significant portion of this fund will be earmarked for seed-stage funding and support for deep-tech innovations.

“This fund is designed to foster next-generation technologies including AI, robotics, machine learning, quantum computing, biotech, and precision manufacturing,” the Minister said. It aims to address the early-stage capital gap, empowering startups to scale prototypes, conduct R&D, and advance toward commercialization.

By providing patient capital, the initiative seeks to overcome long gestation periods and high investment barriers typical of cutting-edge technology sectors. The Government envisions building a strong pipeline of homegrown innovations capable of meeting national priorities and propelling India onto the global tech stage.

In addition, Shri Goyal called upon SIDBI to set up at least one entrepreneur support centre in every state, equipped with basic infrastructure and shared facilities for startups. Sharing a real-life instance of a startup forced to invest in its own 3D printer due to the lack of prototyping resources, he underscored the need for accessible, shared tools and spaces.

“The Government’s role is to facilitate, not regulate,” he emphasized. “We are here to support your journey—not control it.”

Concluding his address, Shri Goyal urged the youth to lead India’s charge in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and deep-tech, and play a pivotal role in shaping a self-reliant, innovation-driven Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Pawan Kadyan IAS appointed as IG – Registration & Commissioner of Stamp Revenue, West Bengal

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

Shri Pawan Kadyan IAS (West Bengal 2012), presently Senior Special Secretary, Finance Department, is appointed as IG – Registration & Commissioner of Stamp Revenue, West Bengal.

Shri Pawan Kadyan, an officer known for his administrative rigor and financial expertise, has been appointed as the Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamp Revenue, West Bengal. With a strong academic foundation—having completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious IIT Kanpur –Shri Kadyan brings to his new role a rare blend of technical sharpness and administrative depth.

In his most recent roles, he served as Senior Special Secretary in the Finance Department, West Bengal, from January 2025, following a prior stint as Special Secretary in the same department from September 2023 to December 2024. His understanding of public finance, expenditure management, and fiscal planning has consistently contributed to the state’s financial governance. From 2019 onwards, he held dual responsibilities as District Magistrate and District Collector under the Land & Land Reforms Department, demonstrating exemplary leadership in land administration and district management.

Earlier, he served a brief yet important tenure as Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs in 2019, after serving as District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner. Notably, he had previously held the same position of IG – Registration & Commissioner of Stamp Revenue from April 2018 to May 2019, gaining invaluable domain experience that he now brings back in his current posting.

From 2017 to 2019, Shri Kadyan held multiple key positions as Joint Secretary in the Finance Department, focusing on both Expenditure and Economic Affairs, and simultaneously contributed to the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms, with a focus on e-Governance initiatives. His prior field-level experience includes serving as Additional District Magistrate (2016–2017), and Municipal Commissioner in two consecutive tenures from 2015 to 2016, where he managed urban development and civic administration with efficiency.

Shri Kadyan began his administrative journey after completing his training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie in 2013. He went on to serve in various sub-divisional capacities in Malda and North 24 Parganas, laying a strong foundation in grassroots governance.

With a track record of versatility across finance, land reforms, urban governance, and e-governance, Shri Pawan Kadyan’s return to the role of IG – Registration & Commissioner of Stamp Revenue is expected to further streamline revenue administration and modernize the registration framework in the state. His appointment marks a continuation of a career defined by integrity, innovation, and impactful leadership.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Pawan Kadyan the very best.

Rega Geetarani Patnaik promoted to Indian Administrative Service of the Odisha Cadre

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

Ms. Rega Geetarani Patnaik, presently with the State Civil Service of Odisha, has been promoted to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of the Odisha Cadre.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Ms. Rega Geetarani Patnaik the very best.

Uma Sankar S IAS appointed as Senior Special Secretary – Agriculture, West Bengal

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

Dr Uma Sankar S IAS (West Bengal 2011) presently IG- Registration & Commissioner of Stamp Revenue is appointed as Senior Special Secretary – Agriculture Department, West Bengal.

Dr. Uma Sankar S, a distinguished officer with a unique blend of medical education and public policy acumen, has been appointed as Senior Special Secretary in the Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal. A graduate in Medicine (MBBS) from Thoothukudi Government Medical College, affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, he further enriched his academic profile with a Master’s in Public Policy from IGNOU, New Delhi.

Prior to this new role, Dr. Uma Sankar served as the Inspector General – Registration & Commissioner of Stamp Revenue, where he efficiently managed a crucial revenue-generating domain. Since January 2024, he also held the roles of Managing Director and Excise Commissioner at the West Bengal State Beverages Corporation, playing a pivotal role in streamlining the excise administration and operational functions within the state beverage sector.

Between 2020 and 2023, Dr. Sankar served as both Managing Director and Excise Commissioner in the Directorate of Excise, demonstrating sound fiscal oversight and effective enforcement. His earlier assignments include serving as District Magistrate of Bankura and Birbhum, where he earned recognition for effective land management and grassroots-level governance. He also held the position of Joint Secretary in the Food and Civil Supplies Department, albeit briefly, before returning to district leadership.

From 2015 to 2018, he functioned as Additional District Magistrate in Birbhum, and prior to that, as Sub-Divisional Officer and Executive Magistrate in various subdivisions of South 24 Parganas and Birbhum. His administrative journey began after completing his foundational training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie in 2013.

Dr. Uma Sankar’s medical background, combined with policy-oriented roles across revenue, excise, food distribution, and district administration, positions him uniquely to contribute meaningfully to the agriculture sector—especially in areas intersecting health, rural livelihoods, and land reform. His new role as Senior Special Secretary – Agriculture is expected to benefit from his proven track record of efficient governance, data-driven policy implementation, and citizen-centric approach.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Dr Uma Sankar S the very best.

Birendra Korkora promoted to Indian Administrative Service of the Odisha Cadre

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

Shri Birendra Korkora, presently with the State Civil Service of Odisha, has been promoted to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of the Odisha Cadre.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Birendra Korkora the very best.

Abhinav Chandra IAS appointed as Additional Director – ATI, West Bengal

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

Shri Abhinav Chandra IAS (West Bengal 2001), presently Director, Institute of Environmental Studies & Wetland Management, is appointed as Additional Director – ATI, West Bengal.

Shri Abhinav Chandra a seasoned and accomplished officer, has been appointed as the Additional Director at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI), West Bengal. Known for his deep institutional knowledge, administrative experience, and dedication to public service, Shri Chandra brings over two decades of rich field and departmental leadership to his new role. Prior to this, he was serving as the Director of the Institute of Environmental Studies & Wetland Management, a position he held since February 2024, where he played a pivotal role in steering sustainable development and ecological research.

Earlier, from February 2021 to February 2023, he served as Secretary in the Public Health Engineering Department, contributing to vital infrastructure development in the state’s water supply and sanitation sectors. Before that, between April 2018 and February 2021, he held the dual charge of Secretary and Director in the Planning, Programme Monitoring & Statistics Department, where his expertise supported data-driven governance and economic planning. From 2014 to 2018, he was associated with the Labour and Employment Department as Additional Secretary and Director, leading policy initiatives aimed at workforce welfare and employment generation.

Shri Chandra also held the significant post of Mission Director for the National Rural Health Mission under the Panchayat & Rural Development Department in 2013, reinforcing rural health delivery systems. His field-level experience is equally extensive—he served as District Magistrate of Nadia from 2011 to 2013 and as Chief Executive Officer of the Asansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA) from 2010 to 2011, where his administrative capabilities made a lasting impact on urban development. He also served as Additional District Magistrate in Bardhaman, and earlier, as State Project Director of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, strengthening educational access in the state.

One of his earliest landmark roles was as Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, from 2005 to 2010, where he oversaw key electoral processes and reforms. His initial years in service saw him engaged in various capacities including as SDO in South 24 Parganas and Under Secretary in the Home Department, after completing his training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration between 2001 and 2003.

Shri Abhinav Chandra’s career reflects a rare blend of strategic oversight, field expertise, and commitment to inclusive governance. His appointment at ATI is expected to further enrich the state’s administrative training ecosystem, preparing future officers with insight, discipline, and vision.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Abhinav Chandra the very best.

INDRA-2025 | Strengthening India-Russia Naval Cooperation

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

The 14th edition of the bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2025 between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy was conducted from 28 March to 2 April 2025. This iteration of the exercise featured a wide array of structured drills and coordinated maritime operations aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint capabilities to counter common maritime threats.

The exercise included complex manoeuvres, simulated engagements, and tactical operations, reflecting the combined combat proficiency of both navies. These joint drills not only improved mutual operational understanding but also reinforced both nations’ shared commitment to upholding maritime order and promoting global peace and stability.

INDRA-2025 provided valuable operational experience and fostered the exchange of best practices, thereby strengthening the capacity to address evolving maritime security challenges. The exercise also deepened mutual understanding of operational doctrines, enabling both forces to operate more seamlessly in dynamic maritime scenarios.

Since its inception in 2003, the INDRA series has remained a cornerstone of India-Russia defence cooperation. The continued success of these exercises underscores the strategic importance both nations place on maritime security and collaborative defence efforts in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

India Hosts First International Research Conference on Pension (IRCP) 2025 to Shape the Future of Retirement Security

Saurabh

April 6, 2025

The First International Research Conference on Pension (IRCP) 2025 concluded successfully in New Delhi. Organized by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), the two-day conference was held at Bharat Mandapam. This landmark event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders—including policymakers, global experts, industry leaders, and academic scholars—to deliberate on pension reforms, financial preparedness for retirement, and strategies to ensure sustainable old-age income security.

The conference was inaugurated on April 3, 2025, by Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance. In his keynote address, the Minister emphasized the urgency of inclusive pension reforms, noting that by 2050, one in five Indians will be aged 60 or above, with the elderly projected to outnumber children by 2047. He highlighted that nearly 19% of India’s population by mid-century will be elderly—most of whom will be women—making financial independence through accessible pension schemes not just a goal but a national imperative. He called for ‘Pension for All’ to become a priority on the policy agenda to secure the future of India’s aging population.

Shri Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, underlined that India’s pension landscape is undergoing a critical transformation. He spoke about the Unified Pension System (UPS), which ensures an assured pension of 50% of the average basic pay in the final year of service. He also noted that while India’s pension assets currently constitute 17% of GDP, this figure falls significantly short of the OECD average of over 80%, highlighting the urgent need for accelerated pension reforms and broader coverage.

Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Deepak Mohanty, Chairperson, PFRDA, stressed that the National Pension System (NPS) has become a cornerstone of India’s retirement security framework, with a corpus of ₹14.4 lakh crore and 8.4 crore subscribers under NPS and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). He emphasized the authority’s commitment to leveraging technology, expanding coverage, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the pension ecosystem for future generations.

The opening day featured three thought-provoking panel discussions. The first session, titled “Pension for the Future: Building Resilient Old Age Income Security,” was moderated by Shri Somya Kanti Ghosh, Member of the 16th Finance Commission, and included global voices such as Ms. Astrid Ludin (South Africa), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran (Nigeria), Mr. William Price (D3P Global), and Dr. Mohanty. They explored strategies to broaden pension coverage, particularly for informal and gig economy workers. The second panel, “Global Lessons on New and Innovative Investment Practices,” moderated by Prof. Abhiman Das (IIMA) and Mr. Tushar Arora (World Bank), included insights from Vanguard, Hong Kong’s MPFSA, and Indian policy experts like Prof. Prachi Mishra. The final session, “Pension Forum for Regulatory Coordination,” moderated by Dr. M.S. Sahoo, saw participation from key regulatory authorities—DFS, EPFO, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA—focusing on harmonizing pension product policies and enhancing accessibility.

On April 4, the second day of the conference began with research paper presentations from scholars across India. Two additional panel discussions enriched the day’s agenda. The first, “Promoting Financial Literacy for Sustainable Retirement Planning,” addressed the integration of financial education in the National Education Policy (NEP), gender inclusivity, and targeted awareness strategies. Moderated by Ms. Mamta Shankar (PFRDA), the panel featured leaders from SRCC, MDI, IIM Tiruchirappalli, IIM Udaipur, IIM Nagpur, and the Ministry of Finance. The second panel, “Pension Fund Investments: Focus on Risk and Return,” emphasized balancing risk and return in long-term pension investments and discussed incorporating AI/ML in investment strategies. Speakers included experts from IIT Bombay, MDI Gurgaon, and Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, with the session moderated by Prof. V. Ravi Anshuman (IIM Bangalore).

The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing excellence in pension-related research. Mr. Rajan Raju (Invespar Pte Ltd), Mr. Ravi Saraogi (Samasthiti Advisors India), and Ms. Pankhuri Sinha & Mr. Lokanandha Reddy Irala (University of Hyderabad) were honored for their outstanding research contributions. In her valedictory address, Ms. Sumeet Kaur Kapoor, Executive Director, PFRDA, summarized the learnings and takeaways from the conference. Mr. P. Arumugarangarajan, Chief General Manager, PFRDA, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all speakers, panelists, researchers, and participants for their insightful contributions, marking the successful conclusion of this pioneering conference.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 | Key Differences from the Existing Act

Saurabh

April 5, 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to modernize the governance of Waqf properties by addressing key gaps in the Waqf Act, 1995. The proposed amendments focus on enhancing the efficiency of Waqf Boards, updating outdated definitions, streamlining the registration process, and leveraging technology for better management of Waqf records. In addition, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 seeks to repeal the colonial-era Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, which is no longer relevant to contemporary India. This repeal aims to bring uniformity under the Waqf Act, 1995, ensure better transparency and accountability, and eliminate confusion caused by overlapping laws.

One of the major challenges in the current system is the irrevocability of Waqf properties. The legal principle “once a waqf, always a waqf” has caused complications and disputes, including high-profile cases like those involving Bet Dwarka. Additionally, legal disputes and mismanagement have plagued the sector for years. Key problems include illegal occupation, unresolved ownership disputes, delays in registration and surveys, and a backlog of litigation. Moreover, Waqf Tribunal decisions are not subject to higher judicial review, reducing transparency and legal accountability.

The issue of incomplete Waqf property surveys is another critical concern. Several states like Gujarat and Uttarakhand have not initiated surveys, while others such as Uttar Pradesh are facing long delays due to poor coordination between departments and lack of expertise. There have also been reported instances of misuse of Waqf laws. Section 40 of the current Act has often been used to classify private properties as Waqf, causing legal battles and social tensions. Data from only 8 out of 30 states shows that 515 properties have been declared Waqf under this section.

There are also constitutional concerns. Since the Waqf Act applies exclusively to Muslims, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court has raised questions regarding its constitutional validity. The Court has sought the Centre’s response on this issue, further intensifying the need for reform.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces significant changes. The Act will be renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025. It restricts Waqf formation to formal declaration or endowment, eliminating formation by user. Donors must be practicing Muslims for at least five years and must own the property. Provisions have been added to ensure that waqf-alal-aulad (family waqf) cannot deny inheritance rights to female heirs.

The Bill also clarifies that any government land wrongly identified as Waqf will revert to government control, with the Collector resolving disputes and reporting to the state. The power to determine Waqf property will no longer lie with Waqf Boards. Instead, state revenue laws will guide surveys, which will now be overseen by District Collectors. The Bill also updates the composition of the Central Waqf Council, requiring the inclusion of two non-Muslims, two Muslim women, and allowing MPs and judges—regardless of religion—to serve. Similarly, the composition of Waqf Boards will be diversified, with mandated representation from Sunnis, Shias, backward class Muslims, and minority sects like Bohras and Agakhanis. Two non-Muslims and two Muslim women must also be included.

Waqf Tribunals will now be chaired by sitting or former District Court judges, supported by senior government officers, and the earlier requirement for a Muslim law expert has been removed. Significantly, decisions of the Tribunals will no longer be final. Appeals can be filed in High Courts within 90 days, which is a vital step toward restoring judicial oversight.

The Bill also strengthens the powers of the central government, allowing it to regulate Waqf property registration, audit accounts via the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and monitor proceedings of Waqf Boards. Furthermore, the Bill allows for separate Waqf Boards not only for Sunni and Shia sects but also for Bohra and Agakhani sects, depending on the composition of Waqf holdings in a state.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is a comprehensive attempt to overhaul the existing Waqf management framework in India. It addresses systemic issues such as lack of transparency, legal ambiguities, and inefficient administration. By introducing judicial review, empowering government oversight, reforming Waqf Board structures, and ensuring inclusivity through the addition of non-Muslim and women members, the Bill represents a significant step forward in making Waqf governance more accountable, inclusive, and aligned with modern legal and administrative standards.

Srikanta Tarai promoted to Indian Administrative Service of the Odisha Cadre

Saurabh

April 5, 2025

Shri Srikanta Tarai, presently with the State Civil Service of Odisha, has been promoted to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of the Odisha Cadre.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Srikanta Tarai the very best.

Anshul Gupta IAS appointed as CEO – KMDA, West Bengal

Saurabh

April 5, 2025

Shri Anshul Gupta IAS (West Bengal 2013), presently Special Secretary- Mass Education Extension & Library Services Department is appointed as CEO – KMDA.

Shri Anshul Gupta, IAS appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is a committed and result-oriented officer, Shri Gupta has steadily built a reputation for administrative efficiency, grassroots connect, and policy-level insight throughout his career. His latest appointment reflects the confidence of the state government in his capabilities to lead one of the most critical urban development agencies in West Bengal.

His career began with foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, from September 2013 to August 2015. Following this, he briefly served as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Higher Education), Government of India, from August to November 2015, contributing to central initiatives in the education sector. Returning to West Bengal, he joined as Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms & Rajbhasha, where he played a role in personnel management and administrative reforms.

From December 2015 to December 2016, he served as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Howrah, focusing on land revenue management and district administration. He continued in the same district as SDO until June 2018, gaining valuable field experience. He was then posted as Additional District Magistrate in Murshidabad from June 2018 to October 2023, a period marked by his effective handling of land, revenue, and district-level governance.

In November 2023, he took charge as MD in the Transport Department of West Bengal, where he worked until December 2024. His leadership contributed to the streamlining of public transport and urban mobility systems. Subsequently, he was appointed as Special Secretary in the Department of Mass Education Extension & Library Services in November 2024, where he focused on expanding access to educational resources and public libraries.

Shri Anshul Gupta’s steady rise through diverse and increasingly responsible roles showcases his versatility and deep commitment to public service. His appointment as CEO of KMDA is a natural progression, and he is expected to bring vision and efficiency to the agency’s urban planning and infrastructure initiatives.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Anshul Gupta the the very best.