In a significant Secretary-level administrative reshuffle, the central government on Thursday (November 20, 2025) approved a series of high-level appointments and transfers of senior IAS officers across various ministries and departments.
Manoj Joshi (IAS::1989:KL), Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. He replaces Amit Agrawal (IAS:1993:CG), who has been moved to head the Department of Telecommunications.
Ms. V. Vidyavathi (IAS:1991:KN), currently Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Neeraj Mittal (IAS:1992:TN), serving as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. He replaces Pankaj Jain (IAS:AM:90), who is set to join as Member Secretary, Eighth Central Pay Commission.
Amit Agrawal (IAS:1993:CG) has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, shifting from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Sunil Paliwal (IAS:1993:TN), Chairperson of Chennai Port Trust, has been elevated to the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India as Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, by temporarily upgrading the post.
Srivatsa Krishna (IAS:1994:KN), currently serving in the cadre, has been appointed Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, following the transfer of Ms. V Vidyavathi (IAS:1991:KN)
Atish Chandra (IAS:1994:BH), Special Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, with effect from February 1, 2026. He will take over the post upon the superannuation of Devesh Chaturvedi (IAS:UP:89) on February 28, 2026. Till then, he will work as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the rank and pay of Secretary.
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