Competent Authority Assigns Additional Charge of Rural Development and Land Resources Departments to IAS Officer Vivek Bhardwaj
In a recent administrative order, the Competent Authority has approved the assignment of additional responsibilities to Shri Vivek Bhardwaj, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), West Bengal Cadre, 1990 batch. Shri Bhardwaj, who is presently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Secretary, Department of Land Resources.
This arrangement will remain in effect from 31 January 2026 to 6 February 2026, covering the period during which Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Jharkhand Cadre, 1991 batch, is on leave.
The temporary assignment ensures uninterrupted leadership and smooth functioning of two critical departments—Rural Development and Land Resources—which are central to the government’s flagship programmes aimed at poverty alleviation, rural infrastructure development, and land management reforms.
By entrusting Shri Bhardwaj with these additional responsibilities, the government has reaffirmed its confidence in his administrative expertise and ability to oversee multiple portfolios simultaneously. His extensive experience in governance and rural affairs is expected to provide stability and continuity during this interim period.
