Sarbananda Sonowal’s Private Secretary Upgraded to Director Rank: Government Approves Special Redesignation of IAS Officer Amit Kumar Till 2029
The Government of India has formally accorded approval to a significant administrative restructuring involving the Private Secretariat of the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. In an official decision taken by the Competent Authority, the existing post of Private Secretary to the Minister — currently positioned at the Deputy Secretary level — has been sanctioned for elevation and redesignation to the higher Director-level cadre.
This redesignation applies specifically and personally to Shri Amit Kumar, IAS (Bihar Cadre: 2012 batch), who is presently serving as the Private Secretary to the Minister. Under the approved arrangement, Shri Kumar’s position will now be redesignated as Private Secretary (Director Level) to the same Minister, representing a major upward administrative enhancement in both rank and responsibilities.
The redesignation will come into effect either from January 1, 2026 or from the actual date on which Shri Amit Kumar formally assumes charge of the re-designated post — whichever of the two occurs later. The upgraded appointment has been approved for a defined tenure extending up to August 20, 2029.
The continuation of this Director-level designation will, however, remain subject to specific administrative conditions. The tenure shall be valid either until the completion of the approved term, or on a co-terminus basis with the tenure of the Minister, or until Shri Amit Kumar ceases to function as the Private Secretary to the Minister, or until further orders are issued by the Government — whichever of these situations arises first.
In addition, it has been clarified that Shri Amit Kumar, IAS (BH:2012) has been serving on central deputation with effect from August 21, 2024, marking the formal commencement of his assignment under the Government of India.
This special redesignation reflects the Centre’s recognition of administrative continuity, institutional trust, and the growing responsibilities associated with ministerial coordination within the strategically important Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways — a key sector driving India’s maritime logistics, port-led development initiatives, and international trade facilitation.
The decision is expected to strengthen the ministerial secretariat and ensure seamless administrative leadership during the ongoing maritime infrastructure expansion programs and national shipping policy reforms.
