ACC Clears IAS Hephsiba Rani’s Deputation to Andhra Pradesh, IIS Officer Rina Sonowal Kouli Returns to Parent Cadre to Take Charge as Doordarshan DG
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved two important personnel decisions involving senior civil servants, paving the way for an experienced IAS officer to serve in Andhra Pradesh while enabling a senior Indian Information Service (IIS) officer to assume one of the country’s most prestigious media leadership positions.
In separate orders issued through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Centre approved the inter-cadre deputation of Karnataka cadre IAS officer Hephsiba Rani Korlapati to the Andhra Pradesh cadre for a period of three years. At the same time, it sanctioned the premature repatriation of IIS officer Rina Sonowal Kouli from the Department of Higher Education to her parent cadre so that she could avail her promotion and take over as the Director General of Doordarshan.
The two decisions are part of the Centre’s ongoing exercise to manage senior-level appointments, optimise cadre deployment and strengthen leadership across key administrative institutions.
IAS Hephsiba Rani to Serve in Andhra Pradesh for Three Years
According to the ACC order, Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been granted inter-cadre deputation to the Andhra Pradesh cadre for a period of three years. The move will allow the senior officer to serve in her home state after more than a decade of administrative experience in Karnataka.
Inter-cadre deputations are generally approved under specific administrative provisions after considering the requirements of both the lending and borrowing cadres. Such deputations enable officers to contribute their experience in different administrative environments while addressing governance requirements across states.
With this approval, Hephsiba Rani is expected to take up her new assignment in Andhra Pradesh following completion of the necessary administrative formalities.
Currently Serving in Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Department
Before receiving approval for the deputation, Hephsiba Rani was serving as Additional Secretary to the Government in Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Department. She has been holding this position since January 1, 2024, overseeing matters relating to infrastructure planning, policy implementation and development projects.
Her experience in infrastructure administration is expected to be valuable as Andhra Pradesh continues to focus on large-scale development initiatives, urban expansion and public infrastructure projects.
Officials familiar with her work describe her as an officer known for administrative efficiency, meticulous planning and effective implementation of government programmes.
UPSC Topper with Diverse Administrative Experience
Hephsiba Rani secured All India Rank 20 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination before joining the Indian Administrative Service in the 2011 batch. Over the years, she has handled a wide variety of assignments across Karnataka, gaining experience in district administration, municipal governance, infrastructure development and urban planning.
Her administrative journey began with grassroots-level responsibilities and gradually expanded to include senior leadership positions across multiple departments. This diverse professional background has made her one of the experienced officers of her batch within the Karnataka cadre.
Held Several Key Administrative Positions
Throughout her career, Hephsiba Rani has occupied several important positions in Karnataka’s administrative system. She served as Assistant Commissioner of Basavakalyan, where she gained early experience in revenue administration and field governance.
Later, she became Commissioner of the Mangaluru City Corporation, handling urban administration, civic services and municipal development. She also worked as Managing Director of Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited, contributing to urban infrastructure projects under the Smart Cities Mission.
Her responsibilities further expanded when she served as Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district, followed by assignments as Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Karnataka Government.
During her administrative career, she has also held positions such as Managing Director, Special Commissioner, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Municipal Commissioner in various departments, giving her extensive exposure to governance at both district and state levels.
National Recognition for Smart City Innovation
One of the notable achievements during Hephsiba Rani’s administrative career came when Bengaluru received the India Smart Cities Awards Contest 2020 Innovation Award in the COVID Innovation category.
The recognition highlighted innovative governance initiatives undertaken during the pandemic and reflected the emphasis placed on technology-enabled public administration. Her involvement in urban governance and infrastructure management has contributed to her reputation as an officer who combines administrative efficiency with innovation.
Strong Academic Background
Born on January 17, 1987, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Hephsiba Rani possesses an impressive academic profile. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in History from Osmania University before pursuing a Master of Arts in Geography from the University of Delhi.
She later earned another Master’s degree in Public Policy, strengthening her understanding of governance, development planning and public administration.
Apart from her academic achievements, she is proficient in English, Telugu and Kannada, enabling her to work effectively across different linguistic and administrative environments.
Known for Simple Personal Values
Hephsiba Rani also attracted public attention for her personal choices outside public service. She is married to Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, a 2008-batch IAS officer.
The couple was widely appreciated after choosing to solemnise their marriage through a simple civil ceremony at a sub-registrar’s office in Hubballi in February 2019 instead of organising an elaborate celebration.
The decision reflected their preference for simplicity despite occupying prominent positions in the civil services.
Rina Sonowal Kouli Repatriated to Parent Cadre
In another important personnel decision, the Department of Personnel and Training approved the premature repatriation of Rina Sonowal Kouli, a 1994-batch Indian Information Service (IIS) officer, from the Department of Higher Education to her parent cadre.
According to the official order, the move has been approved to enable her to avail promotion following recommendations made by the Department of Higher Education.
Her deputation has therefore been curtailed before completion of its originally approved tenure.
Served as Joint Secretary in Higher Education
Rina Sonowal Kouli had been serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education since January 2023. Her original tenure was scheduled to continue until January 2028.
During her tenure, she handled several important policy and administrative matters relating to higher education while working closely with senior officials in the ministry. The premature repatriation now enables her to assume higher responsibilities within her parent service.
Set to Become Director General of Doordarshan
The repatriation comes soon after Rina Sonowal Kouli was empanelled for Selection Grade promotion by the Departmental Promotion Committee. Following her promotion, she has been appointed as the Director General of Doordarshan.
The appointment is historically significant as she becomes the first officer from Assam to head India’s public broadcaster at the Director General level. She is expected to formally assume charge from August 1, 2026, ushering in a new phase of leadership for Doordarshan.
Distinguished Career in the Indian Information Service
A member of the 1994 batch of the Indian Information Service, Rina Sonowal Kouli has served in several important communication and media-related assignments within the Government of India.
Her experience spans public communication, policy administration and information management across multiple ministries.
Her elevation to Director General of Doordarshan marks one of the most significant milestones of her professional career and also represents an important achievement for officers from the Northeast.
Roots in Assam’s Distinguished Family
Rina Sonowal Kouli hails from Guwahati, Assam, and belongs to a family with a distinguished public service and literary background.
She is the daughter of Suniti Sonowal and the late Inspector General of Police Deben Sonowal.
Her grandfather, Sitanath Brahmachoudhury, was a noted Assamese writer and also served as President of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, one of the state’s most respected literary institutions.
She pursued part of her higher education at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, before joining the Indian Information Service.
Centre Continues Senior-Level Administrative Reshuffle
The latest ACC approvals reflect the Centre’s continuing efforts to strengthen governance through timely cadre management and senior-level appointments.
While Hephsiba Rani’s transfer will bring an experienced IAS officer with expertise in infrastructure, urban governance and district administration to Andhra Pradesh, Rina Sonowal Kouli’s repatriation clears the way for her to lead Doordarshan at a crucial stage for India’s public broadcasting network.
Together, the two decisions underscore the government’s focus on placing experienced officers in leadership roles where their administrative expertise can contribute to institutional efficiency, policy implementation and public service delivery across different sectors.
