In a significant bureaucratic appointment, Vrunda Desai, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer originally from Nagpur, has taken charge as the new Textile Commissioner for Mumbai. This key position falls under the Union Ministry of Textiles and is pivotal for the sector's policy direction.
From Nagpur Classrooms to National Policy
Vrunda Desai's educational foundation was laid in Nagpur, where she completed her schooling at Mount Carmel School and Somalwar High School. She further pursued and obtained a degree in engineering before embarking on her distinguished civil services career.
Her professional journey began after she successfully cleared the prestigious Civil Services Examination and entered the IRS cadre. Her initial posting was as an Assistant Commissioner in her home city, Nagpur.
A Stellar Track Record in Broadcasting and Films
Desai's expertise was later leveraged by the Central Government on a five-year Central Secretariat Service (CSS) deputation. She served as the Director (Broadcasting) in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. During this tenure, she played an instrumental role in shaping policy guidelines for the uplinking and downlinking of satellite television channels. She was also actively involved in regulatory actions against illegal satellite channel operators.
In 2024, her career reached another milestone when she was empanelled as a Joint Secretary to the Government of India. She served as the Joint Secretary (Films), where she represented India on major global cinematic stages. Her diplomatic and promotional efforts were showcased at premier international film festivals, including:
- The Cannes International Film Festival in France.
- The Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
- The Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.
Mandate of the Textile Commissioner's Office
As the new Textile Commissioner, Vrunda Desai now heads a crucial office that acts as the primary interface for the Ministry of Textiles. The role is central to supporting policy formulation and ensuring its effective implementation across the country's vast textile ecosystem.
The office's broad mandate includes providing technical advice to the government and coordinating with various stakeholders. This involves working closely with state governments, the textile industry, and international bodies. A key focus area is supporting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and powerloom workers. The office also drives initiatives aimed at promoting import substitution to boost domestic manufacturing.
The Textile Commissioner will also work in coordination with the Nagpur-based Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR), linking policy with ground-level agricultural research for natural fibers. This appointment places Desai at the helm of a sector vital to India's economy, employment, and global trade.
