Centre Reshuffles Key Portfolios: Debashree Mukherjee to Lead MSME, Vineet Joshi Gets School Education Charge; Hekali Zhimomi Returns to UP Cadre
In a recent administrative development, the Central government has allocated additional responsibilities to senior IAS officers Debashree Mukherjee and Vineet Joshi, while approving the repatriation of V. Hekali Zhimomi to her home cadre of Uttar Pradesh. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued the official notification regarding these appointments on Friday.
Debashree Mukherjee Assigned Additional Charge of MSME Secretary
Debashree Mukherjee (IAS: 1991: AGMUT), currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Her tenure in this dual role will run from November 8 to November 16, 2025, coinciding with the leave period of Subhas Chandra Lal Das (IAS: 1992: AGMUT), the regular MSME Secretary.
A veteran officer with extensive experience in governance reforms, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement programs, Mukherjee has previously contributed significantly to both central and state-level initiatives within the AGMUT cadre.
Vineet Joshi to Temporarily Lead School Education & Literacy
Similarly, Vineet Joshi (IAS: 1992: MN), Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, has been given additional charge as Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, for the same duration — from November 8 to November 16, 2025.
He will be stepping in during the leave of Sanjay Kumar (IAS: 1990: BH). Known for his reformist leadership during his tenure as Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Joshi will now oversee both the higher and school education sectors, ensuring seamless coordination within the education ecosystem.
Hekali Zhimomi Repatriated to Uttar Pradesh Cadre
In a separate decision, V. Hekali Zhimomi (IAS: 1996: UP), serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Health & Family Welfare, has been repatriated to her parent cadre in Uttar Pradesh upon the state government’s request.
During her central deputation, Zhimomi made notable contributions to national health programs and policy execution within the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Smooth Administrative Transition Ensured
These interim appointments and repatriations have been structured to maintain administrative efficiency and ensure uninterrupted governance in critical ministries — including MSME, Skill Development, and Education — that play a pivotal role in advancing India’s economic and human resource development goals.
