IRS Officer Lokesh Kumar Jain Appointed Private Secretary to MoS Suresh Gopi in Petroleum Ministry
In a key administrative development, Lokesh Kumar Jain, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), has been appointed as the Private Secretary (PS) to Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The appointment came into effect in April 2026 and has been approved by the competent authority for a tenure extending until his superannuation.
Lokesh Kumar Jain belongs to the 2009 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (C&CE), now known as Customs & Indirect Taxes (C&IT). Over the years, he has built a strong administrative profile through his experience in multiple government departments and policy-related roles.
Before taking up his new assignment in the Petroleum Ministry, Jain was serving as Director (EA&IC) in the Department of Water Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. In this role, he was associated with key initiatives related to water management, river development, and the government’s flagship Ganga rejuvenation programs.
His new role as Private Secretary places him in a crucial position within the minister’s office, where he will be responsible for handling administrative coordination, policy inputs, and official communication on behalf of the Minister of State. The position of Private Secretary is considered highly significant, as it acts as a bridge between the minister and various departments, ensuring smooth functioning and timely execution of decisions.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas plays a vital role in India’s energy sector, overseeing policies related to oil, gas, and petroleum resources. With increasing focus on energy security, transition to cleaner fuels, and global market dynamics, the ministry’s functioning has become even more critical in recent years.
Jain’s appointment comes at a time when the energy sector is witnessing rapid changes, both globally and domestically. His prior experience in handling administrative and policy matters is expected to contribute effectively to the minister’s office.
Overall, the appointment of Lokesh Kumar Jain reflects the government’s continued emphasis on placing experienced and capable officers in key administrative roles to strengthen governance and policy implementation in critical sectors like petroleum and natural gas.
