ACC Announces Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across Key Ministries: New Secretaries Appointed in Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Telecom, Petroleum, Social Justice, and Agriculture
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a wide-ranging set of senior-level bureaucratic appointments and reshuffles across several crucial ministries within the Government of India.
These decisions, issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on 20 November 2025, reflect a significant administrative reorganization aimed at strengthening leadership in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, social justice, petroleum, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Manoj Joshi Appointed Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals
Mr Manoj Joshi, IAS (KL:1989), currently serving as Secretary, Department of Land Resources in the Ministry of Rural Development, has been appointed as the Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Joshi replaces Mr Amit Agrawal, IAS (CG:1993), who has been moved to the Department of Telecommunications following his new appointment as Secretary in that ministry. Joshi’s transfer brings extensive experience in governance, land management, and policy execution to the pharmaceutical sector.
V Vidyavathi to Head Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Ms. V. Vidyavathi, IAS (KN:1991), who has been serving as the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Vidyavath’s new assignment places her at the helm of national disability empowerment policies, accessibility initiatives, and welfare programming for persons with disabilities.
Neeraj Mittal Named Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Mr Neeraj Mittal, IAS (TN:1992), presently the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, has been selected as the new Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Mittal will assume charge once Mr Pankaj Jain, IAS (AM:1990) vacates the post to take over as Member Secretary of the Eighth Central Pay Commission. Mittal’s elevation places him in a key role overseeing the country’s energy security and hydrocarbon policies.
Amit Agrawal Appointed Secretary, Department of Telecommunications
Following the vacancy created by Mr Neeraj Mittal’s transfer, Mr Amit Agrawal, IAS (CG:1993), who has been serving as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, has now been appointed as the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications.
Agrawal’s new charge positions him to lead India’s digital infrastructure policy, spectrum management, and telecom reforms at a crucial phase of national digital expansion.
Sunil Paliwal to Lead Inland Waterways Authority of India
Mr Sunil Paliwal, IAS (TN:1993), presently functioning as Chairperson, Chennai Port Trust, has been appointed as the Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
To accommodate this appointment, the IWAI leadership role has been temporarily upgraded to Secretary-level rank, highlighting the strategic importance of inland waterways development for national logistics and trade.
Srivatsa Krishna to Serve as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism
Mr Srivatsa Krishna, IAS (KN:1994), currently posted in his home cadre, has been appointed as the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, succeeding Ms. V. Vidyavathi following her move to the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Krishna’s administrative experience is expected to support India’s significant tourism development plans, global branding, and hospitality sector expansion.
Atish Chandra Appointed OSD in Agriculture; To Take Over as Secretary in 2026
Mr Atish Chandra, IAS (BH:1994), serving as Special Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare with effect from 1 February 2026.
Atish Chandra is slated to take over as Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare after the retirement of Mr Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS (UP:1989) on 28 February 2026. This transition provides a two-month preparatory phase to ensure continuity in agricultural policy, farmer welfare programs, and rural development strategies.
These high-level appointments collectively signal a sweeping administrative overhaul across multiple ministries, reinforcing leadership capacity and ensuring smoother transitions in areas central to economic growth, social welfare, and national development.
