Government Extends Additional Charge of Health Secretary to Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma During Leave of Incumbent Officer
The Competent Authority has formally accorded approval for the continuation of the additional responsibility of the post of Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, with Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, IAS (Uttar Pradesh cadre: 1991), who is currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
As per the official decision, Ms. Verma will continue to hold the additional charge beyond the earlier approved date of 21 December 2025, and will discharge the responsibilities of the Health and Family Welfare Secretary until 28 December 2025.
This extension has been granted to ensure uninterrupted administrative functioning during the period when the regular incumbent, Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, IAS (AGMUT cadre: 1993), remains on sanctioned leave.
The move reflects the government’s emphasis on maintaining continuity in senior-level governance and decision-making within a critical ministry such as Health and Family Welfare, particularly in the absence of the full-time Secretary. During this interim period, Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma will oversee the complete range of duties and responsibilities associated with the post, in addition to her ongoing role in the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
The arrangement will remain effective strictly for the duration of Ms. Srivastava’s leave, ending on 28 December 2025, after which further orders will determine the charge of the post.
