New Delhi: In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Centre has announced key changes across several ministries, impacting top leadership positions in petroleum, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and other departments. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by the Prime Minister, approved the changes, which were formally announced on Thursday.
Neeraj Mittal, a 1992-batch IAS officer from Tamil Nadu cadre, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Mittal, who previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, replaces Pankaj Jain. His prior experience includes working on energy sector reforms as a joint secretary within the same ministry. Mittal's return to the petroleum sector is considered significant as the government focuses on supply security, investments in exploration, and a gradual shift in India's energy mix.
Amit Agrawal, a 1993-batch IAS officer from Chhattisgarh cadre, will assume the role of Secretary in the Department of Telecommunications. Agrawal, an IIT Kanpur graduate with a background in digital governance, previously headed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and served in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. His appointment comes at a crucial time for the telecom sector, which is currently dealing with regulatory changes, security considerations, and expanding manufacturing responsibilities.
Manoj Joshi, a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre, has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Joshi was recently moved from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to the Department of Land Resources.
Several other significant appointments were also announced as part of this reshuffle. V. Vidyavathi, a 1991-batch IAS officer from Karnataka cadre and formerly the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, will now serve as Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. She is being replaced in the Tourism Ministry by Srivatsa Krishna, a 1994 batch IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre. Atish Chandra, a 1994-batch IAS officer from Bihar cadre currently serving as Special Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, effective February 1, 2026. Sunil Paliwal, a 1993-batch IAS officer from Tamil Nadu cadre and Chairperson of Chennai Port Trust and Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, has been elevated to the rank of Secretary and appointed to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
Furthermore, Rajit Punhani (IAS:1991:BH) has been named as the new CEO of FSSAI, while Debashree Mukherjee (IAS:1991:AGMUT) will now serve as Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Alka Upadhyaya (IAS:1990:MP) has been shifted to the National Commission for Minorities as Secretary, and Naresh Pal Gangwar (IAS:1994:RJ) will be taking over her previous role. V. L. Kantha Rao (IAS:1992:MP) has been moved to lead the Department of Water Resources, and Piyush Goyal (IAS:1994:NL) will now head his previous ministry.
These changes reflect the government's ongoing efforts to optimize bureaucratic efficiency and ensure effective leadership across key sectors. The realignment of officers with relevant sector experience and policy expertise is expected to bring fresh perspectives and drive impactful changes as ministries prepare for the upcoming financial year and address critical regulatory matters.
