New Delhi: In a significant administrative move, the Delhi Government has appointed three IAS officers to new roles, including 2006 batch IAS officer Kaushal Raj Sharma as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). This decision, which took effect on May 6, 2025, was announced under Order No. 159 issued by the Services Department of the Government of Delhi.
The reshuffle also sees 2006 batch IAS officer Shilpa Shinde stepping into a new role as Commissioner and Secretary (Development) and assuming additional charge as Secretary (Cooperation).
Meanwhile, Anil Kumar Singh, an AGMUT 1995 batch officer, has retained his post as Principal Secretary (Services) and will now also oversee the Environment and Forests Department. Mr Singh has played a pivotal role in managing administrative functions within the Delhi government.
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A Trusted Officer with a Proven Track Record
IAS Kaushal Raj Sharma has a distinguished career and is considered one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trusted officers. Before his posting in Delhi, Sharma served as Secretary to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and has held various key roles including District Magistrate (DM) and Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi, which is also the parliamentary constituency of PM Modi. During his tenure, Sharma played a pivotal role in implementing several development projects, notably the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which was completed under his supervision without controversy. His contributions earned him recognition as one of the top 50 IAS officers by Fame India Magazine in 2020, and he was awarded the PM Excellence Award in 2022.
Mr Sharma is now tasked with leading the Delhi Jal Board, where his primary responsibilities will include enhancing the efficiency of water supply, addressing groundwater depletion, and preventing water wastage in the national capital. His experience in managing large-scale projects and overseeing complex governmental initiatives will be instrumental in managing the challenges that come with this high-profile post.
Tackling Delhi’s Water Crisis
Mr Sharma steps into his new role at a time when Delhi is grappling with severe water shortages. The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has been accused of reducing the water supply to Delhi, leading to escalating water crises, particularly during the hot summer months.
Delhi’s Water Minister, Pravesh Verma, has accused Punjab of deliberately depriving Delhi of its share of water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Verma has also blamed the situation on what he describes as the Punjab government’s political agenda to harm Delhi residents. With his appointment, Sharma now faces the challenging task of addressing these water supply issues while also improving the management of the city’s water resources.
Sharma’s Challenging Path Forward
With a proven track record in administration and development, Kaushal Raj Sharma’s appointment as CEO of DJB comes with high expectations. As Delhi continues to confront issues such as water scarcity and rising demand, Sharma’s leadership will be crucial in managing the capital’s water resources, ensuring better distribution, and preventing any future crises.
