Madhya Pradesh Government Executes Major IAS Reshuffle: 26 Officers Transferred, Shiv Shekhar Shukla Appointed Revenue Board Chairman, Key Departments Reorganized
In a sweeping administrative overhaul, the Madhya Pradesh government has transferred 26 IAS officers, marking one of the most significant reshuffles in recent months. The orders were issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Jain through the General Administration Department (GAD). The transfer list was notably released on Sunday, January 18, despite the day being a holiday, underscoring both the urgency and importance of the changes.
The timing of the reshuffle, just ahead of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s departure for Davos, has added political weight and administrative significance to the move.
General Administration Department Notification
The GAD notification covers senior as well as mid-level IAS officers, many of whom have been entrusted with crucial portfolios and additional responsibilities. Prominent names include Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Umakant Umrao, Shobhit Jain, and John Kingsley, each assigned to strategically important roles in the new administrative framework.
Shiv Shekhar Shukla Elevated as Revenue Board Chairman
Among the most high-profile changes, 1994 batch IAS officer Shiv Shekhar Shukla has been appointed Chairman of the Revenue Board. He has been relieved of his additional charges as Additional Chief Secretary, Culture and Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments, and Home Department. This posting is widely regarded as a major shift at the apex of the state’s administrative hierarchy.
Umakant Umrao Relieved from Mineral Resources
1996 batch IAS officer Umakant Umrao has been relieved of his role in the Mineral Resources Department. He will, however, continue as Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, retaining a vital position in the state’s governance structure.
Dilip Yadav Reassigned Within 16 Days
2014 batch IAS officer Dilip Yadav, who was removed from his position as Municipal Commissioner, Indore, following the contaminated drinking water incident, has been given a new posting within just 16 days. He has now been appointed Managing Director (MD), Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC). Prior to this, he was posted in Bhopal as Deputy Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department.
Meanwhile, 2014 batch IAS officer Kshitij Singhal has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Indore Municipal Corporation.
Energy and Power Sector Strengthened
2008 batch IAS officer Vishesh Gadpale has been entrusted with multiple responsibilities in the energy sector. He will now serve as:
Secretary, Energy Department
Managing Director, MP Power Management Company, Jabalpur
Additional Charge of Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Eastern Region Power Distribution Company
This consolidation of responsibilities is expected to strengthen leadership and streamline operations in the critical energy and power management sector.
Tarun Rathi Assigned to Tribal Development
2010 batch IAS officer Tarun Rathi has been transferred from his role as Commissioner, Health Services, Bhopal, and appointed Commissioner, Tribal Development, Bhopal. Given the state’s large tribal population, this department holds immense importance in policy execution and welfare initiatives.
Shobhit Jain Promoted to Principal Secretary Rank
IAS officer Shobhit Jain has been elevated from Secretary, Food Department to Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, reflecting the government’s confidence in his administrative acumen.
Health Department Strengthened with New Appointments
The Health Department has also seen new postings, with three IAS officers assigned to enhance healthcare administration and delivery:
Dhanraju S
Rahul Haridas
Disha Nagwanshi
Their appointments are expected to reinforce the state’s healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery.
Empowering Senior Officers and First-Time Independent Charges
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has demonstrated strong confidence in senior bureaucrats by assigning additional charges to Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries.
For the first time, several officers below the rank of Principal Secretary have been given independent charge of departments, including:
Shobhit Jain
Swatantra Kumar
Ilaiyaraja
John Kingsley
Alok Singh
Shriman Shukla
This move is widely interpreted as an effort to empower capable officers, decentralize authority, and streamline decision-making processes across the state administration.
