ACC Approves Strategic Upgradation for FCI General Managers in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana
In a notable bureaucratic development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the temporary upgradation of two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers serving as General Managers in the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to the rank of Joint Secretary (JS).
The move was formalized through an official notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on July 15, 2025.
Vishesh Garhpale Elevated to Joint Secretary Level
Vishesh Garhpale (IAS:2008:MP), currently serving as General Manager (Madhya Pradesh) in the FCI, has been granted a temporary elevation to the rank of Joint Secretary (Pay Level-14). This upgrade will remain in effect until September 7, 2025, or until further orders.
Garhpale, known for his diverse administrative background, has held several significant positions in the past. This elevation highlights his growing role within the central public sector and recognizes his contributions to food distribution and public procurement in a key region.
Sharandeep Kaur Brar Also Promoted to Pay Level-14
Sharandeep Kaur Brar (IAS:2009:HY), presently posted as General Manager (Haryana) in FCI, has also been awarded a similar temporary promotion to Joint Secretary level, effective until August 20, 2026, or until further orders.
Brar’s elevation reflects her extensive experience in governance and development administration. Her current role is critical to overseeing food supply chains in Haryana—a major procurement state for food grains.
Context: Strengthening Leadership in Food Security Operations
These temporary upgrades come at a time when the FCI is central to India’s food security architecture, managing large-scale procurement, storage, and distribution of grains. By assigning JS-level responsibilities to General Managers, the government appears to be reinforcing regional leadership in strategically important states.
The move also indicates a broader effort to retain and incentivize high-performing IAS officers by aligning their rank and pay with the significance of their operational roles in key public institutions.
