Centre Appoints IAS Rajendra KV and Jeevan Babu K to Key Union Ministries; Karnataka Officer Joins Housing, Kerala Officer Moves to Sports
The Central Government has strengthened its senior administrative machinery by appointing two experienced Indian Administrative Service officers to important positions in key Union ministries. Karnataka cadre IAS officer Rajendra KV and Kerala cadre IAS officer Jeevan Babu K have been selected for central deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme, where they will take up strategic assignments in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Sports, respectively.
The appointments, approved by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), reflect the Centre’s continuing practice of drawing experienced officers from state cadres to contribute to policymaking and programme implementation at the national level. Both officers will assume their new responsibilities in New Delhi after being formally relieved by their respective state governments.
The two appointments come at a time when the Union Government is placing renewed emphasis on urban infrastructure, sustainable development, sports excellence and institutional reforms. Their administrative experience in state governments is expected to strengthen the implementation of several flagship initiatives and improve coordination between the Centre and the states.
DoPT Issues Separate Appointment Orders
The Department of Personnel and Training issued separate orders on Monday, July 20, 2026, confirming the appointments of both IAS officers under the Central Staffing Scheme.
As per the orders, each officer will serve for a fixed tenure unless relieved earlier through subsequent government orders. The appointments will become effective once the Karnataka and Kerala governments formally release the officers from their current assignments.
The Central Staffing Scheme enables officers from the All India Services to serve in ministries and departments of the Government of India, allowing them to contribute their field experience while gaining exposure to national policymaking and governance.
Rajendra KV Appointed Deputy Secretary in Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Among the key appointments cleared by the Centre, Rajendra KV (IAS:2013:KN) has been named Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
His appointment has been approved for a four-year tenure, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Rajendra KV is currently serving as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), where he has been overseeing tourism promotion, infrastructure development and management of tourism assets across Karnataka.
With his move to New Delhi, he will become part of one of the Union Government’s most significant ministries, responsible for shaping India’s urban transformation agenda.
A Ministry Driving India’s Urban Growth
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs plays a central role in India’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Its responsibilities extend across a wide spectrum of public policy areas, including:
Urban planning and sustainable city development
Affordable housing initiatives
Smart Cities Mission
Metro rail expansion
Urban transportation
Municipal governance reforms
Sanitation and waste management
Capacity building for urban local bodies
As Deputy Secretary, Rajendra KV is expected to contribute to policy formulation, programme implementation and coordination among various departments involved in urban governance.
With India’s urban population continuing to expand, the ministry remains at the forefront of addressing challenges related to infrastructure, housing availability, mobility and quality of life in cities.
Administrative Experience Expected to Add Value
Having served in Karnataka’s administrative system, Rajendra KV brings practical governance experience to the Union Government.
His tenure at Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation involved managing large-scale public assets, coordinating with multiple government agencies and promoting tourism infrastructure.
Such administrative exposure is expected to be valuable in handling complex urban development initiatives that require coordination across ministries, state governments, municipal bodies and private stakeholders.
His appointment also reflects the Centre’s emphasis on deploying officers with diverse field experience in ministries responsible for major national development programmes.
Jeevan Babu K Named Director in Department of Sports
In another important decision, the Centre has appointed Jeevan Babu K (IAS:2011:KL) as Director in the Department of Sports, which functions under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Unlike Rajendra KV’s appointment, Jeevan Babu K has been given a five-year tenure, or until further orders, whichever comes first.
He is presently serving as Special Secretary in Kerala’s Revenue and Disaster Management Department, where he has handled important administrative responsibilities related to governance, disaster preparedness and public administration.
After completing the required formalities, he will relocate to New Delhi to assume his new assignment.
Department of Sports Plays Key National Role
The Department of Sports has emerged as one of the country’s most dynamic administrative departments, particularly as India continues expanding its sporting ecosystem and investing heavily in athlete development.
Its responsibilities include:
Development of sports infrastructure
Support for elite athletes
Implementation of national sports policies
Financial assistance to National Sports Federations
Promotion of grassroots sports
Talent identification programmes
Coordination of international sporting events
Strengthening sports governance across the country
With India aiming to improve its global sporting performance and expand participation at every level, the department has taken on increasing importance in recent years.
As Director, Jeevan Babu K will become part of the administrative leadership responsible for implementing these priorities.
Bringing State-Level Experience to National Governance
Jeevan Babu K’s administrative background in Kerala is expected to strengthen the department’s institutional capabilities.
His experience in revenue administration and disaster management has involved handling large public systems, coordinating inter-departmental operations and managing policy implementation.
Such experience often proves valuable in central ministries where coordination among states, sports bodies, government agencies and multiple stakeholders is essential for effective programme delivery.
His appointment highlights the Centre’s preference for experienced officers capable of managing large administrative frameworks while contributing to long-term policy objectives.
Importance of the Central Staffing Scheme
Both appointments have been made under the Central Staffing Scheme, a long-established mechanism through which officers belonging to the All India Services serve on deputation in various ministries and departments of the Government of India.
The scheme enables experienced officers from different state cadres to bring field-level administrative insights into national policymaking.
At the same time, officers gain exposure to the functioning of the Union Government, helping build a stronger administrative bridge between the Centre and the states.
Over the years, the Central Staffing Scheme has played an important role in creating a pool of administrators with experience at both state and national levels.
Strengthening Governance Through Experienced Leadership
The appointments of Rajendra KV and Jeevan Babu K reflect the continuing effort to position experienced administrators in departments that are central to India’s development agenda.
While Rajendra KV will contribute to initiatives aimed at modernising India’s cities, improving urban infrastructure and strengthening municipal governance, Jeevan Babu K will help shape policies supporting sports development, athlete welfare and institutional reforms in the country’s sporting ecosystem.
Both sectors have witnessed significant expansion in recent years, requiring administrators capable of handling complex projects, coordinating across multiple agencies and ensuring efficient programme implementation.
Officers to Join After State Relieving Orders
As is customary under the Central Staffing Scheme, both officers will formally assume charge only after they are relieved by their respective state governments.
The Karnataka Government will relieve Rajendra KV from his current responsibilities at the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, while the Kerala Government will release Jeevan Babu K from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
Once they report to their respective ministries in New Delhi, the officers will begin their tenures under the terms approved by the Department of Personnel and Training.
The appointments mark another important round of senior-level administrative placements by the Centre, reinforcing the role of experienced IAS officers in shaping policies across critical sectors such as urban development, housing, governance and sports administration.
