Within less than a fortnight, the Modi government has carried through two large reshuffles in top bureaucracy. Yet, the secretary-level reshuffle seems to be more of minor tweaks and adjustments since it ignores key positions such as the department of defence production, coal, corporate affairs, new and renewable energy, textiles, and food and public distribution, among others. Perhaps, this is a prelude to more changes in the coming days. But it does fill the vacancies that will come up at the commerce department and ministry of mines. Also, it was interesting to note that two officers have been brought in straight from the cadre while the rest were already serving at the Centre.
Still, there are many interesting aspects to the changes that may merit a closer look. The appointment of Sunil Barthwal (IAS:1989:OR) as OSD, department of commerce, created a buzz as he will succeed BVR Subrahmanyam (IAS:1987:CG) and will have a three-year term at the department. But Mr. Subrahmanyam is a big winner, who has been elevated to higher things. He is the new CMD of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), a move made with an eye on the G20 summit being held in India in September next year. Clearly, the government has high faith in him to deliver a successful summit.
Observers also noted that the government focused on officers from the 1987-1990 batches during this exercise. The 1991 batch babus will have to await the next reshuffle, which some believe could also be coming soon.
