In a significant administrative overhaul, the government has executed a major reshuffle of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers belonging to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre. The transfers involve several key officers being moved between Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and other Union Territories, marking a strategic repositioning of bureaucratic leadership.
Key Police and Administrative Transfers
Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshat Kaushal has been transferred out of Goa and posted to Arunachal Pradesh. Conversely, SP Shekhar Prabhudesai has been moved from Arunachal Pradesh to Goa. This swap of senior police officials is a central part of the reshuffle.
On the civil administration front, two IAS officers have been assigned to Goa. Michael D’Souza has been transferred from Ladakh, while Nikhil Dessai has been moved from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to take up new responsibilities in the coastal state.
Goa Gains and Loses Officers
Goa will see an influx of officers as part of this exercise. In addition to SP Shekhar Prabhudesai and IAS officers Michael D’Souza and Nikhil Dessai, IPS officer Shruti Arora has also been transferred to Goa from Ladakh.
However, the state will also bid farewell to some officers. IAS officer Sanjeev Ahuja has been posted to Delhi from Goa. Furthermore, IAS officer Ankita Mishra has been transferred from Goa to Arunachal Pradesh.
Context and Recent Developments
This administrative reshuffle follows recent statements by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He had indicated that action was taken against certain officials after the unfortunate stampede during the Shirgao Zatra. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned that action was initiated against SP Akshat Kaushal and the then North Goa collector Sneha Gitte in connection with the incident. The current transfer of SP Kaushal out of Goa is seen in light of these developments.
Such large-scale rotations are routine in cadre management and aim to bring fresh perspectives to state administrations while ensuring officers gain experience across diverse regions. The moves are expected to streamline governance and address specific administrative needs in the respective states and union territories involved.
