ACC Clears Key IAS Appointments: Rohit Kansal to Head Rural Development, Bharat Khera Elevated to MSME Ministry
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved further high-level bureaucratic appointments, strengthening leadership in crucial development-oriented ministries.
Shri Rohit Kansal (IAS, AGMUT cadre, 1995 batch), who is currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, has been appointed as Secretary in the Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Rural Development. He will assume this role following the retirement of Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh (IAS, Jharkhand cadre, 1991 batch), who is scheduled to superannuate on March 31, 2026.
In another important decision, Shri Bharat Harbanslal Khera (IAS, Himachal Pradesh cadre, 1996 batch), presently serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has been designated as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). This appointment is at the rank and pay level of Secretary to the Government of India.
He is set to take over as Secretary in the MSME Ministry after the retirement of the incumbent, Shri Subhas Chandra Lal Das (IAS, AGMUT cadre, 1992 batch), who will demit office upon his superannuation on April 30, 2026.
These appointments reflect the government’s continued focus on ensuring smooth transitions and experienced leadership in key sectors such as rural development and MSME growth, which are vital to India’s economic progress.
