In a strategic administrative move, the Madhya Pradesh government has appointed 2011-batch IAS officer Chandramauli Shukla as Additional Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat (CMO). The appointment, notified on 22 July 2025, comes as part of a broader bureaucratic reshuffle following CM Mohan Yadav’s recent investment-focused visits to Spain and Dubai.
A Dual-Role Appointment
Shukla will retain his existing key positions while taking on the new CMO role:
Managing Director, MP Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC)
Commissioner of Aviation, Madhya Pradesh
This move underscores the government’s focus on aligning governance with industrial and infrastructure development goals.
Why Shukla’s Appointment Matters
Industrial Growth Focus – His expertise in investment promotion and infrastructure development directly supports CM Yadav’s vision to position MP as a top business destination.
Technical Proficiency – An engineer-management graduate, Shukla has a proven track record in executing large-scale projects and policy implementation.
Post-Investment Tour Strategy – The appointment follows CM’s overseas engagements, signaling a push to fast-track industrial commitments.
Recent CMO Reshuffles: A Broader Trend
Since taking office in December 2023, CM Yadav has implemented 261 IAS transfers, including multiple CMO reorganizations. Recent key changes:
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Neeraj Mandloi (IAS 1993) – New Additional Chief Secretary to CM
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Sibi Chakravarti (IAS 2008) – Shifted from CMO to full-time MD, MP Bhawan
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Raghavendra Kumar Singh (IAS 1997) – Continues as Principal Secretary, now also handling Industries
Who is Chandramauli Shukla?
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Batch: IAS 2011 (MP Cadre)
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Key Roles: Former Collector, MD of MPIDC, Aviation Commissioner
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Education: Engineering + Management degrees
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Reputation: Known for efficiency in industrial policy and infrastructure development
Administrative Stability Concerns
While the reshuffle aims to strengthen governance, critics highlight potential challenges:
261 transfers in 11 months raise questions about policy continuity
Former bureaucrats argue longer tenures are needed for effective implementation
The Road Ahead
Shukla’s appointment reflects CM Yadav’s push for a technocrat-driven administration to boost investments. However, balancing frequent bureaucratic changes with stable governance remains a key challenge.
