The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Prashant Kumar Mishra, IAS (Karnataka Cadre, 2014), as Officer on Special Duty to Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil for a four-year tenure, strengthening the Ministry’s leadership in water resource management and Ganga rejuvenation.
In a major administrative development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has given its approval to the proposal for the appointment of Shri Prashant Kumar Mishra, IAS (Karnataka Cadre, 2014 batch), as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil.
Shri Mishra will serve in the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation at the level of Deputy Secretary. His tenure has been sanctioned for a period of four years, commencing from the date he assumes charge of the post. The appointment will continue either for the full four-year term, or on a co-terminus basis with the Minister, or until he ceases to function as OSD, or until further orders are issued—whichever occurs earlier.
This appointment reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening the administrative framework of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which plays a pivotal role in managing India’s water resources, river development projects, and the ambitious Ganga rejuvenation program. By appointing a young and dynamic IAS officer to this crucial position, the government aims to ensure effective coordination and policy execution in one of the most strategically important ministries.
Shri Mishra’s role as OSD will involve assisting the Minister in policy planning, monitoring key projects, and ensuring smooth communication between the Ministry and other stakeholders. His responsibilities will also include supporting the Minister in parliamentary matters, public outreach, and inter-ministerial coordination, particularly in areas related to water conservation, irrigation, and sustainable river basin management.
The appointment of officers as OSD to Union Ministers is a well-established practice in the Indian administrative system. It provides Ministers with dedicated support from experienced civil servants, enabling them to manage complex portfolios more efficiently. For Shri Mishra, this assignment marks a significant milestone in his career, offering him exposure to high-level decision-making and national-level policy implementation.
Officials familiar with the development noted that such appointments are crucial for ensuring continuity in governance and for providing Ministers with the necessary administrative backing to deliver on flagship programs. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, under Shri C.R. Patil’s leadership, is expected to focus on accelerating river rejuvenation projects, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and addressing water scarcity challenges across the country.
The ACC’s approval has been communicated to all relevant authorities, including the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), the Cabinet Secretariat, and the Ministry of Water Resources. Shri Mishra is expected to assume his new responsibilities shortly after being relieved from his current assignment.
With this appointment, the government has once again underlined its commitment to deploying capable officers in key positions to drive forward its developmental agenda. Shri Prashant Kumar Mishra’s tenure as OSD is anticipated to bring fresh energy and administrative efficiency to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s ambitious programs.
