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Assam Secures No. 1 Rank Nationally in Implementing New Criminal Laws

By
LO Bureau
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Assam has secured the number one position in the country in the implementation of the New Criminal Laws, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, has officially released the national ranking, and Assam’s performance now appears at the top of the live New Criminal Laws Implementation (NCLI) dashboard.

In a post on X, Sarma said, “Assam is #1 in implementing the New Criminal Laws! With a score of 72.03 against the national average of 44.96, we lead in administrative reforms, efficiency, and ICT integration.” He added that the achievement underscores the state’s commitment to building a “faster, fairer, and more efficient justice delivery system.”

According to the national assessment data, Assam’s total score of 72.03 places it well ahead of other top-performing states. Haryana recorded 62.70, followed by Sikkim (60.87), Jammu & Kashmir (59.20), and Rajasthan (58.02). Assam outperformed all states across key parameters — logging 19.85 in Administrative Reforms, 26.04 in Operational Efficiency, 16.14 in ICT Applications, and a full 10 in Integrations — reflecting a comprehensive and balanced implementation strategy. With the national average standing at 44.96, Assam’s lead is significant and unmatched.

The Assam Police also hailed the recognition, calling it a testament to the chief minister’s leadership and the efforts of police personnel statewide. In a post on X, the force said it “pledges to uphold its ideals of service and keep raising the bar” in law enforcement and justice delivery.

The transition to the new legal framework has markedly streamlined procedures for investigators and the courts, with the new Acts giving strong emphasis to digital evidence, enhancing the ease of presentation, security, and tamper-proofing during trials.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) came into effect on July 1, 2024, replacing the colonial-era IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. Since the implementation of these three laws, Assam has shown a remarkable jump in conviction rates — rising from just 5% under the old system to 26% now, an improvement of more than 2.5 times. Officials expect these numbers to rise further over the next two years as ongoing technological and procedural upgrades strengthen investigations and make trial processes more streamlined.

Assam’s top position, backed by quantifiable improvements and digital readiness, has placed the state as a national model in transitioning to the new criminal justice framework.

Andhra Chief Secy Vijayanand may get 3-month extension; if not, Sai Prasad becomes top contender

By
LO Bureau
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IAS K Vijayanand

Amid intense lobbying and speculations, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand (IAS:1992:AP) is reportedly likely to get a three-month extension. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is said to be considering it, as Vijayanand is due to retire on November 30. His greatest asset is his non-controversial style of functioning.

 But this anticipation has not stopped lobbying among senior officers to succeed him. The reason behind it is a belief that Naidu might be appointing a new Chief Secretary while retaining Vijayanand as special chief secretary and assigning some important tasks. But there is a section in the state bureaucracy that firmly believes that Vijayanand will manage to continue as Chief Secretary.

If CM Naidu decides to go for a change, water resources Special Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad (IAS:1991:AP) becomes a favourite choice. Sai Prasad is reported to have earlier been tipped for the post, but Naidu chose Vijayanand instead. Many things weigh in favour of Sai Prasad. His service lasts until June 2026, and like Vijayanand, he is also considered a dynamic and non-controversial administrator. Besides, Sai Prasad is also said to have been promised the CS role after Vijayanand’s tenure. Plus, Sai Prasad has already served Naidu as his principal secretary between 2014 and 2019.

Besides, some senior TDP leaders are reported to have urged Naidu to elevate Sai Prasad on the basis of his seniority, integrity, and community representation. Social media voices within the party have also rallied behind him. Naidu is supposed to take the final call this week.

I

Centre Enacts Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle; Neeraj Mittal is New MoPNG Secretary

By
LO Bureau
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Kartavya Bhawan

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), currently serving as Special Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. He will assume charge as OSD in the rank and pay of Secretary from February 1, 2026. He is scheduled to take over as Secretary after the superannuation of incumbent Devesh Chaturvedi (IAS:1989:UP) on February 28, 2026.

Dr Anju Rathi Rana named Member Secretary, 23rd Law Commission; Rajiv Mani’s tenure extended

By
LO Bureau
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The central government on Thursday (November 20, 2025) approved a series of important appointments and tenure extensions in the Ministry of Law & Justice.

According to orders cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Dr. Anju Rathi Rana (ILS), Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, has been appointed as Member Secretary of the 23rd Law Commission of India. She will assume charge from the date she takes over, and her tenure will continue till the end of the Commission’s term or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The ACC has also approved the extension of tenure of Dr. Rajiv Mani (ILS), Secretary, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice. His tenure has been extended from January 9, 2026, to July 31, 2028, which is the date of his superannuation, or until further orders.

Additionally, Dr. Rajiv Mani has been entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs. He will hold this charge upon the relieving of Dr. Anju Rathi Rana until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders.

MP High Court appoints senior IAS to mentor 18-year-old girl in pursuing civil services aspirations

By
LO Bureau
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MP High Court

It is a fascinating story of a judicial pronouncement that upholds the virtue of aspiration in life. The credit goes to two judges of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, who recognised an 18-year-old girl’s passion for studies and appointed a senior IAS officer to mentor her in pursuing her civil services aspirations.

The girl had left home owing to the family pressure to discontinue her studies while she nursed civil service aspirations. The case came to light after her beleaguered father filed a writ petition seeking the production of his daughter.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf recognised the girl’s right to study and pursue ambition and even appointed a senior IAS officer as her mentor.

 During the proceedings, the state placed a status report saying that the girl was a meritorious student who had left home because “her parents were insisting that she should discontinue her studies; however, she wanted to join public services.”

The court instructed the state to intensify the steps to trace out the girl. On November 6, the girl was produced before the court, where the girl admitted that she had left home, as she wanted to study and was facing some difficulty at her own house. The court noted that the girl was reluctant to go home.

She later agreed to stay at her parents’ house and prepare for the civil services examination when she was again produced on Nov 12. The father assured the court that he would ensure continuation of her studies and assist her in preparing for the civil services examination. The court recognised the girl’s right to study and noted that she was a “bright child” who wished to pursue her education. The court requested senior IAS officer Bandana Preyasi, currently posted as Secretary of the Social Welfare Department in Bihar, to act as her mentor and guide.

Centre appoints Rakesh Gupta as DGIT (Vigilance) in CBDT

By
LO Bureau
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In a key appointment, the central government on Thursday (November 20, 2025) appointed senior bureaucrat Rakesh Gupta (IRS-IT:1992) as DGIT (Vigilance)/Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

According to an order issued by the Department of Revenue, the competent authority has approved his appointment till September 30, 2029, the date of his superannuation, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.

Currently, Rakesh Gupta is serving as Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (Central) in Gurugram, Haryana, a position he has held since January 2023. Prior to this, he served as Commissioner of Income Tax at the CBDT from September 2015 to January 2023.

Centre extends tenure of CVOs at Cochin Port Authority and Western Coalfields

By
LO Bureau
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Chief Vigilance Officer

In a key development, the Central Government on Thursday (November 20, 2025) approved a two-year extension for the Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) of two major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The Competent Authority has cleared the extension of Thillaivasan Prabhu (IOFS:2001), who serves as CVO of Cochin Port Authority (CoPA), Kochi, for another two years beyond December 25, 2025. His tenure will now continue from December 26, 2025 to December 25, 2027, or until further orders.

Similarly, the tenure of Ajay Madhukar Mhetre (ITS:1998), CVO of Western Coalfields Ltd. (WCL), Nagpur, has also been extended for two years beyond December 26, 2025. His extended term will be valid up to December 26, 2027, or until further orders.

Both officers were originally appointed as CVOs on the same day—November 25, 2022—for a three-year term. Prabhu assumed charge on December 25, 2022, while Mhetre took over on December 26, 2022.

Also Read: ACC clears appointment of CVOs in five PSUs

Dheeraj Mittal repatriated to Gujarat cadre

By
LO Bureau
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Dheeraj Mittal IFoS

Dheeraj Mittal (IFoS:2012:GJ), currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre, Gujarat. According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Thursday (November 20, 2025), the competent authority has approved the proposal of the Department of Food & Public Distribution to repatriate Mr. Mittal on personal grounds, along with the provision of extended cooling-off.

In March 2025, Mr. Mittal was appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution for a tenure up to July 26, 2026, covering a combined four-year admissible posting at the Deputy Secretary level. Before this assignment, he was serving as Assistant Inspector General of Forests in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

DFS Secretary chairs IDC meeting with MHA, MEA, DoC & RBI

By
LO Bureau
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DFS Reviews Bank Expansion Proposals at IDC Meet

The Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, M Nagaraju chaired the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) meeting today. It included member ministries/departments i.e. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Department of Commerce (DoC) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The Inter‑Departmental Committee (IDC) convened the meeting to deliberate on proposals received from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) concerning the establishment of branches, representative offices and subsidiaries of foreign banks in India. In parallel, the Committee also reviewed proposals from Indian banks seeking to expand their presence abroad through similar arrangements.

Furthermore, the IDC examined requests from foreign banks for relocation of their existing branches within India. After due consideration, the Committee recommended the proposals placed before it.

The IDC functions under the Department of Financial Services (DFS), which serves as the nodal authority for evaluating such proposals from both foreign and domestic banks. Before arriving at its recommendations, the Committee consults with member ministries including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Department of Commerce (DoC) to ensure a comprehensive and consensus‑based approach. (Source-PIB)

NHAI Launches RIIMPL to Steer Public InvIT Initiative

By
LO Bureau
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NHAI Logo

In a major step toward boosting road asset monetization and widening investment avenues in the National Highway infrastructure sector, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is in the process of establishing Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) as a Public InvIT. As part of the initiative, NHAI has incorporated Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Private Limited (RIIMPL) as the Investment Manager for the proposed InvIT.

RIIMPL was formally launched in Mumbai by NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav in the presence of senior NHAI officials and representatives of participating financial institutions.

RIIMPL has been set up as a collaborative venture with equity participation from major banks and financial institutions, including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, NaBFID, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv Ventures Ltd., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Yes Bank. This partnership aims to tap into the monetization potential of National Highway assets while creating a high-quality, long-term investment product aimed primarily at retail and domestic investors.

NRVVMK Rajendra Kumar, Member (Finance), NHAI, has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO (Additional Charge) of RIIMPL.

Highlighting NHAI’s progress in asset monetization, Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said, “NHAI has built a strong record in this space. In recent years, we monetized assets worth Rs 48,995 crore through the TOT model and raised about Rs 43,638 crore across four rounds of Private InvITs, attracting major domestic and global investors. Over the next 3–5 years, around 1,500 km of completed and operational National Highways will be inducted into the Public InvIT, creating major investment opportunities for the public. This initiative will mark a new chapter of public participation in building the country’s highway infrastructure.”

RIIMPL will focus on building strong governance structures aligned with SEBI’s InvIT regulations, ensuring transparency, investor protection, and rigorous compliance standards.

The first public issuance of InvIT units for retail investors is expected to be launched in February 2026. (Source-PIB)

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