Cabinet approves key appointments, upgradations in senior bureaucratic positions

ACC approves key bureaucratic appointments: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved several high-profile appointments in key ministries and departments. These changes are set to take effect following the upcoming retirements and transitions in various roles across the Indian government.

New secretary for Food Processing Industries

Shri Subrata Gupta, IAS (WB:90), who is currently serving in his home cadre, has been appointed as the new Secretary for the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. He will succeed Ms. Anita Praveen, IAS (TN:89), upon her retirement on November 30, 2024.

New chairman of Staff Selection Commission

Shri S. Gopalakrishnan, IAS (TN:91), who is currently the Director General of the National Productivity Council under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, will take over as Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). He will replace Shri Rakesh Ranjan, IAS (MN:92), who is set to voluntarily retire on October 31, 2024. This appointment involves a temporary upgrade of the post, with the Recruitment Rules being held in abeyance.

New secretary for National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

Shri Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS (AGMUT:91), presently serving in his home cadre, has been appointed as Secretary to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. He will hold the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India.

Environment Ministry appoints new secretary

Shri Tanmay Kumar, IAS (RJ:93), currently Special Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will assume the role of Secretary for the same ministry. He will succeed Ms. Leena Nandan, IAS (UP:87), who is set to retire on December 31, 2024.

Additional appointments

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: Shri V. Umashankar, IAS (HY:93), currently serving in his cadre, has been appointed as Secretary.
• Ministry of Coal: Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS (AGMUT:93), who is the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, will take on the role of Secretary.
• National Centre for Good Governance: Shri Surendra Kumar Bagde, IAS (MH:93), Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, has been appointed Director General of the National Centre for Good Governance under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.

In-Situ upgradation for special secretary post

The ACC has also approved the in-situ upgradation of Ms. Neerja Sekhar, IAS (HY:93), Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to the level of Special Secretary in the same ministry. This personal upgradation involves a temporary enhancement of the post held by Ms. Sekhar.

These appointments are seen as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure effective governance through experienced bureaucratic leadership.