In a recent development, three officers have undergone re-designation, now assuming the role of Directors in their respective ministries, departments, or commissions. The competent authority has granted approval for this re-designation under the central staffing scheme.
They are:
Richa Gupta (IDAS:2010), currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, has been re-designated as Director. Her tenure as Director is effective until 30.01.2027, covering a total duration of five years.
Swati Ratna (IRS-IT: 2010), presently holding the position of Deputy Secretary in the Central Vigilance Commission, has undergone re-designation as Director. She will serve as Director until 29.02.2028, completing a five-year term.
Ashutosh Ranjan (IAS: 2010:UP), currently in the role of Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), has been re-designated as Director. His tenure as Director is effective until 11.10.2028, covering a total duration of five years.
The central government on Thursday (11.01.2024) appointed Sheel Vardhan Singh (Retd. IPS:1986:BH), the former Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Singh served as the Director General of the CISF from November 2021 to December 2023.
Singh’s tenure as a UPSC Member will commence from the date he assumes office. A UPSC Member holds the position for a term of six years or until reaching the age of 65. The Commission, headed by a chairman, can consist of a maximum of 10 members.
Following Singh’s appointment, three more vacancies for members remain.
With 37 years of distinguished service, Singh is recognized as a seasoned intelligence expert, renowned for his strategic thinking and expertise in global and internal security. His extensive service includes contributions to intelligence gathering, analysis, and national security policy formulation across all theaters of national security. Singh significantly enhanced India’s international security posture during his assignment at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. He received the President Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2004 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2010.
The medical leave taken by K K Pathak (IAS:1990:BH), the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, has become the focal point of political and bureaucratic discussions in the state. While various speculations circulate among political and bureaucratic circles, only Chief Minister Nitish Kumar possesses the actual details. Mr. Pathak, who is on medical leave from January 8 to January 16, 2024, as per the order issued by the General Administration Department, is currently on earned leave. According to secretariat sources, Pathak has not undergone any official transfer. Unless the government issues a transfer order by January 16, he is expected to resume his duties in the Education Department on January 17.
Pathak’s proactive approach in transforming the Education Department and holding every stakeholder accountable has stirred the traditional education structure in the state, impacting both the political class and the education department. The news of his leave spread rapidly, particularly with the emergence of a viral letter on social media, intensifying speculations about his potential departure.
Speculation for the first time gained traction considering the significant Education Department program scheduled for January 13. CM Nitish Kumar is slated to issue appointment letters to 25 thousand successful candidates in the second phase of teacher recruitment at Patna Gandhi Maidan, with ministers in-charge distributing joining letters to other candidates. The assumption is that Pathak’s relinquishment of the ACS post is a formal procedure, enabling the government to delegate decision-making authority to someone else for the role. Consequently, Vaidyanath Yadav, a 2007 batch IAS officer, has been assigned the charge of Secretary, Education Department.
Notably, the changes witnessed in schools, colleges, and universities during Pathak’s tenure have been profound, creating a transformative impact across educational institutions. While individuals critical of Pathak’s approach express satisfaction at the prospect of his departure, it is important to note that these sentiments are not officially confirmed.
Understanding the dynamics, it is known that officers like K K Pathak are assigned to specific departments with special assignments by top political figures. It would be unwise to assume that introducing such a level of accountability in his department without displeasing his minister did not have Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s consent.
Pathak assumed the role of ACS in the Education Department on June 8, 2023, and has tirelessly worked without taking any leave since then. Despite the transformative changes he brought during his tenure, certain factions now wish for his transfer out of the department.
The stated reason for his leave being health concerns, the closeness to the crucial Education Department event scheduled for January 13 has raised suspicions in certain quarters. Some speculate a possible link to Pathak’s opponents, who are attentively awaiting an opportune moment.
Manish Prabhat (IFS:1996), the current Ambassador of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan, is set to become the next Ambassador of India to Denmark. His extensive diplomatic career includes leading the Eurasia Division in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. Throughout his service, Manish Prabhat has held positions in various key locations, including Moscow, Yerevan, Washington D.C., Milan, and Paris, showcasing a wealth of experience in both domestic and international contexts.
Surendra Prasad Yadav (IFoS:1996:WB), who served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, has been repatriated to his parent cadre ahead of schedule. As per an order released by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the competent authority has endorsed the Ministry of Defence’s proposal for the premature repatriation, allowing him to avail the benefits of promotion in his parent cadre.
Parul Singh (IRS-IT:2009), who held the position of Deputy Secretary in the Department of Commerce, has been prematurely repatriated to her parent cadre. As per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the competent authority has granted approval for the premature repatriation of Ms. Parul Singh to her parent cadre on personal grounds.
Amrendra Kumar Singh, a retired Chief Engineer from the Central Water Commission (CWC), has been selected to serve as an Assessor in the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT). The appointment has received approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, as per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
S Hanumantha Rao, previously serving as Joint Registrar in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), has been designated as the Registrar, NCDRC. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, as per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), has granted approval for this appointment.
Sanjeev Kumar Jindal (CSS), serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has received an extension in his tenure. As per an order released by the Department of Personnel and Training, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has endorsed the MHA’s proposal to extend Mr. Jindal’s tenure beyond 08.12.2023.
Anjan Kumar Mohanty (IFS:1992:SK), Sushil Kumar Awasthi (IFoS:1991:UP), and G.S. Bhardwaj (IFoS:1994:RJ) have been designated to serve as Additional Director General of Forest. A directive from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) states that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has given its nod to the proposals for appointing these officers to their respective positions.
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