Delhi Government Transfers 72 IAS Officers in Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle; Santosh D. Vaidya Appointed Home Secretary
In one of the largest recent bureaucratic reshuffles, the Delhi Government has transferred and posted 72 IAS officers across departments, significantly reshaping the administrative structure of the capital. The overhaul includes six officers from the AGMUT cadre, some of whom have previously served in Jammu and Kashmir and are now moving to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to take up key assignments.
Senior Officers Retain Crucial Portfolios
Bipul Pathak, a 1992-batch IAS officer, will continue as Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare). He will also retain additional charges as Director (UTCS) and Additional Chief Secretary (SC/ST/OBC), ensuring continuity in critical welfare portfolios.
Santosh D. Vaidya Appointed Delhi Home Secretary
Santosh D. Vaidya, a 1998-batch IAS officer who was serving as Principal Secretary (Finance) in Jammu and Kashmir, has been appointed as Principal Secretary (Home) in Delhi. In addition, he will hold multiple key charges, including:
Principal Secretary (Finance/Planning)
Principal Secretary (Industries)
Chairperson, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC)
This appointment places Vaidya at the center of Delhi’s governance, overseeing home affairs, finance, planning, and industrial development.
Key Portfolios Realigned
Pandurang K. Pole (2004 batch) has been shifted from Higher Education and Education to Secretary (GAD). He will also serve as Secretary-cum-Commissioner (Labour) and Secretary (Cooperation).
Vijay Kumar Bidhuri (2005 batch) will continue as Secretary (Urban Development) and retain Environment & Forests, while also being appointed Chairman of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
Younger Officers Assigned New Roles
Niraj Kumar (2010 batch), who was awaiting posting, has been appointed Special Secretary (SC/ST/OBC).
Saloni Rai (2016 batch), formerly Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate (North), Delhi.
Strategic Significance of the Reshuffle
The large-scale transfers are seen as a strategic move to streamline governance and strengthen administrative efficiency across critical sectors, including home, finance, urban development, industries, and social welfare. By realigning portfolios and bringing in officers with diverse experience, the Delhi Government aims to enhance coordination and delivery in key policy areas.
