In a significant administrative overhaul, the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a major reshuffle, assigning new responsibilities to 21 senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers across several crucial departments. This move impacts key portfolios including elections, revenue, education, health, finance, and home affairs, potentially shaping governance in the state in the run-up to important electoral cycles.
Key Appointments in Pivotal Departments
The reshuffle places experienced officers at the helm of departments central to public service and policy implementation. Akhanda Pratap Singh has been appointed as the Secretary of the Election Department, a critical role for managing the electoral process. In the education sector, Monika Rani has been given the charge of Director General for School Education.
The revenue department sees Aparna U taking over as the Principal Secretary. Meanwhile, Sarika Mohan has been entrusted with a dual role as Secretary of the Medical Education Department and Director General of Medical Education, highlighting the focus on the health sector.
Notable Transfers and Reassignments
Several officers have been moved to new positions, bringing their expertise to different domains. Neha Sharma was posted as the Inspector General (Registration). Yogesh Kumar steps in as the Commissioner and Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
Navin Kumar GS, who previously held the charge of Secretary for Irrigation and Water Resources along with other key project roles, has now been posted as the Director (Land Acquisition) for the Board of Revenue. In the social welfare and home sectors, Kumar Prashant has been moved from Director of Social Welfare to Secretary of the Home department.
The finance and urban development sectors also witnessed changes. Bhawani Singh Khangaraut, formerly Special Secretary of the Revenue Department, is now the Secretary of Finance. Arun Prakash has shifted from Special Secretary of Urban Development to the Revenue Department in the same capacity.
Implications of the Administrative Reshuffle
This large-scale reassignment of 21 senior IAS officers is seen as a strategic move to infuse fresh leadership and streamline administration in vital departments. Placing seasoned officers in the election, revenue, and finance wings is particularly significant for ensuring smooth administrative functioning during key periods.
The postings in education and health reflect the government's ongoing priorities in these social sectors. Such reshuffles are routine but crucial for maintaining administrative efficiency, bringing in new perspectives, and aligning bureaucratic leadership with current governance goals. The changes are expected to take effect immediately, with officers assuming their new roles across Lucknow and the state.
