In an extensive late-night administrative overhaul, the Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh government has transitioned 11 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and four State Administrative Service (SAS) officials. The directives, issued by the General Administration Department after 2:00 AM on Friday, have triggered a major restructuring of key portfolios including Health, Agriculture, Forest, Public Relations, and Energy.
This strategic reshuffle is widely viewed as a foundational step toward the state’s 2026 “Year of Agriculture” initiative and other upcoming policy priorities.
Key Leadership Changes in Health and Forest
In one of the most prominent shifts, Ashok Barnwal (1991 batch), currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, has been moved from the Forest Department to lead the Public Health and Medical Education Department. Additionally, Barnwal will oversee the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Department and serve as the Food Safety Commissioner while retaining his Environment portfolio.
Concurrently, Sandeep Yadav has been relieved of his duties in Health and Medical Education to take the helm of the Forest Department. He has also been assigned additional responsibility for the Overseas Indian Department.
Strategic Shifts in Public Relations and Excise
The reshuffle marks the return of Manish Singh (2009 batch) to the Public Relations Department. Singh, who continues to manage the Transport and Jail departments, will also retain oversight of the State Road Transport Corporation and the Inter-State Transport Authority.
Deepak Kumar Saxena (2010 batch), who previously held the Public Relations portfolio, has been reassigned as the Excise Commissioner in Gwalior. He succeeds Abhijeet Agrawal (2010 batch), who has been appointed Managing Director of the M.P. State Cooperative Marketing Federation after a two-year tenure in the Excise department.
Focus on Agriculture and Energy Sectors
As the state prepares for its 2026 “Year of Agriculture” roadmap, Umashankar Bhargava (2011 batch) has been appointed as the Director of Farmers Welfare and Agricultural Development. He takes over from Ajay Gupta (2009 batch), who has been moved to a pivotal role as Managing Director of the M.P. East Zone Electricity Distribution Company in Jabalpur.
District and Secondary Administrative Appointments
The reshuffle also included several key district-level and secondary leadership changes:
Sunil Dubey (CEO, Bhind) transitions to Deputy Secretary to the Governor.
Sanghamitra Gautam has been appointed CEO of Alirajpur district.
Nanda Bhalave Kushre will serve as Project Director of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.
Milind Kumar Namdev and Veer Singh Chauhan have been appointed as CEOs of Khargone and Bhind District Panchayats, respectively.
Rakesh Sharma takes over as Chief General Manager of the M.P. Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company in Bhopal.
Administrative Rationale
Government officials indicate that these sweeping transfers are designed to bolster governance and align departmental leadership with the state’s evolving policy roadmap. By placing seasoned officers in strategic roles, the administration aims to enhance efficiency across essential public services, particularly in the health and power distribution sectors.
