Move Aims to Accelerate Development and Strengthen Local Governance in Backward Regions
In a bid to accelerate development in underperforming regions, the Central Government on June 12 announced the appointment of Central Prabhari Officers (CPOs) for 22 Aspirational Districts under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). These senior bureaucrats will oversee the implementation of key welfare schemes, track developmental metrics, and support local administrations in removing governance hurdles.
CPOs to Take Charge Alongside Existing Roles
As per the official notification, the designated officers will retain their current posts while simultaneously serving as CPOs for the assigned districts. Their responsibilities include enhancing inter-departmental coordination, closely monitoring progress, and ensuring timely delivery of government services.
District-Wise List of Newly Appointed Central Prabhari Officers
Assam
Manish Thakur (IAS:1998:AM) – Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs – Barpeta
Bihar
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (IAS:2002:BH) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare – Sitamarhi
Chhattisgarh
Anbalagan F (IAS:2004:CG) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare – Bijapur
Ms. Alarmelmangai D (IAS:2004:CG) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush – Mahasamund
Jammu & Kashmir
Ajeet Kumar Sahu (IAS:2003:AGMUT) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare – Baramulla
Chauhan Santa Chand (IAS:1999:AGMUT) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Administrative Reforms – Kupwara
Jharkhand
Daya Nidhan Pandey (IAS:2006:BH) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel – Chatra
Ajay Kumar (IP&TA&FS:1993) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare – Dumka
Sanoj Kumar Jha (IAS:1997:SK) – Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Coal – Khunti
Madhya Pradesh
Chhavi Bhardwaj (IAS:2008:MP) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Personnel & Training – Damoh
Alok Mishra (IlnfoS:1998) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment – Guna
V Kiran Gopal (IAS:2008:MP) – Joint Secretary, National Health Authority – Rajgarh
Devesh Deva (IAS:2004:MN) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries – Chandel
Mizoram
Padmini Singla (IAS:2002:AGMUT) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles – Mamit
Odisha
Vineel Krishna Ravella (IAS:2005:OD) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Sports – Balangir
Vir Vikram Yadav (IAS:1996:OD) – Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Environment – Dhenkanal
Anita Karn (IFoS:1997:GJ) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Food & Public Distribution – Kalahandi
Samar Nanda (IRS-C&IT:2004) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture – Naupada
Punjab
Ajoy Sharma (IAS:1999:PB) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment – Ferozepur
Tamil Nadu
Anandrao Vishnu Pati (IAS:1998:TN) – Addl. Secretary, Dept. of School Education – Virudhunagar
Telangana
Solomon Arokiaraj (IAS:2000:AP) – Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Economic Affairs – Bhadradri Kothagudem
Uttar Pradesh
Aditi Singh (IAS:2009:UP) – Joint Secretary, Dept. of Rural Development – Fatehpur
About the Aspirational Districts Programme
Launched in January 2018, the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) aims to uplift districts that lag behind in key socio-economic indicators. The initiative focuses on five core themes:
Health & Nutrition
Education
Agriculture & Water Resources
Financial Inclusion & Skill Development
Basic Infrastructure
The newly appointed CPOs will play a pivotal role in bridging developmental gaps and ensuring inclusive growth in these underserved regions.
