IRS officer Saravanan PK (2016 batch, Customs & Indirect Taxes) has been appointed Deputy Secretary in the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), Delhi, under the Central Staffing Scheme for four years.
In a significant administrative development, the Government of India has appointed Shri Saravanan P K, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS, Customs & Indirect Taxes, 2016 batch), as Deputy Secretary in the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), Delhi. His appointment has been made under the Central Staffing Scheme for a tenure of four years from the date he assumes charge of the post, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
Background of the Appointment
The appointment follows a recommendation made by the Department of Revenue, which proposed Saravanan’s name for central deputation. The competent authority has approved the proposal, directing that he be relieved of his current duties immediately so that he can take up his new assignment in the WDRA under the Department of Food & Public Distribution.
This move reflects the government’s continued emphasis on strengthening regulatory institutions with experienced officers from diverse service backgrounds.
Role of WDRA
The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), headquartered in Delhi, is a statutory body established under the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007. Its primary mandate is to regulate and promote the warehousing sector in India, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in agricultural and non-agricultural commodity storage.
The authority plays a crucial role in:
Registering and regulating warehouses across the country.
Promoting negotiable warehouse receipts (NWRs) to facilitate farmers’ access to credit.
Ensuring scientific storage practices and infrastructure development.
Strengthening supply chain management and reducing post-harvest losses.
By appointing Saravanan P K to a senior role, the government aims to bolster WDRA’s administrative and regulatory capacity.
Profile of Shri Saravanan P K
An officer of the 2016 batch of the IRS (Customs & Indirect Taxes), Saravanan has built a career in taxation, revenue administration, and regulatory oversight. His experience in handling complex issues related to indirect taxation and customs enforcement is expected to add value to WDRA’s functioning, particularly in areas requiring financial and compliance expertise.
His appointment as Deputy Secretary marks a step forward in integrating officers with strong revenue and regulatory backgrounds into institutions that directly impact trade, agriculture, and logistics.
Tenure and Conditions
According to the official order:
Saravanan’s tenure will last four years from the date he assumes charge.
He will serve under the Department of Food & Public Distribution.
His appointment is subject to the usual terms and conditions of the Central Staffing Scheme.
He must be relieved of his current duties immediately to join his new post.
The appointment of IRS officer Saravanan P K as Deputy Secretary in WDRA highlights the government’s focus on strengthening regulatory institutions with officers possessing diverse administrative expertise. His background in customs and indirect taxation is expected to contribute significantly to WDRA’s mission of modernizing warehousing practices, promoting transparency, and supporting India’s agricultural and trade infrastructure.
