Jharkhand Govt reshuffles 25 IAS officers ahead of upcoming elections

In a significant administrative shake-up ahead of the upcoming elections, the Jharkhand government has transferred 25 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers across various departments. The reshuffle, which involves several senior officials, appears to be a strategic move to streamline governance and ensure efficiency during the crucial election period.

Notably, Nitin Madan Kulkarni, the Governor's Principal Secretary, has been reassigned as the Principal Secretary of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperative Department in Ranchi until further orders. Mastram Meena, the Principal Secretary of the Planning and Development Department, has been entrusted with additional responsibilities as the Principal Secretary of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department.

Sunil Kumar, the Principal Secretary of the Road Construction Department, has also been given additional roles, including Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, Managing Director of JUSCO, and Managing Director of the Ranchi Greater Development Agency.

Amitabh Kaushal, previously the Fertilizer Supply Secretary, has been appointed as the IT Secretary in Ranchi, while also holding the additional charge of Secretary of the Commerce Department Jharkhand. Meanwhile, Manish Ranjan, the Building Construction Secretary, has been transferred to serve as the Director of Shri Krishna Public Administration Institute in Ranchi.

Rajesh Kumar Sharma, who was the Drinking Water Secretary, has been reassigned as the Secretary of the Disaster Management Department. Abu Bakar Siddiqui has moved from Agriculture Secretary to Secretary of the Forest Department. Vipra Bhal, the IT Secretary, has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to the Governor.

The reshuffle also saw other key appointments, including Manoj Kumar taking on additional duties as Product Secretary along with his current role as Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department. Arwa Rajkamal, who served as Secretary to the Chief Minister, has been appointed as the Building Secretary with additional responsibilities as Managing Director of Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Limited.

The Jharkhand government issued the transfer orders through a notification from the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Official Language, indicating that these changes are to be implemented with immediate effect.