New Delhi/Chandigarh: The Centre on Monday issued key administrative orders involving senior IAS officers, entrusting additional responsibilities to Anil Malik (IAS: 1991: Haryana cadre) and Syed Abid Rashid Shah (IAS: 2012: AGMUT cadre).
While Anil Malik has been given temporary charge of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir-born IAS officer Syed Abid Rashid Shah has been assigned the additional responsibility of the Health and Medical Education Department of Chandigarh Administration.
The appointments are aimed at ensuring continuity of governance and smooth functioning of important departments during the absence of incumbent officers.
Anil Malik Given Additional Charge of Tribal Affairs Ministry
According to an official notification issued by the Government of India, Anil Malik, currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The arrangement will remain in force from June 16, 2026, to July 1, 2026, during the leave period of Ranjana Chopra (IAS: 1994: Odisha cadre), who presently heads the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The Appointments Committee and the competent authority approved the temporary arrangement to ensure that the functioning of the Tribal Affairs Ministry remains unaffected during Chopra’s absence.
Experienced Bureaucrat Takes Dual Responsibility
Anil Malik is among the senior-most IAS officers of the Haryana cadre and currently heads the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which is responsible for several flagship welfare schemes focusing on women, children, nutrition, and social protection.
With the additional charge, Malik will simultaneously oversee matters relating to:
- Tribal welfare policies
- Scheduled Tribe development programmes
- Educational initiatives for tribal communities
- Livelihood and empowerment schemes
- Tribal rights and welfare initiatives
The temporary assignment reflects the government’s reliance on experienced officers to manage key ministries during transitional periods.
J&K-Born IAS Officer Gets Additional Charge in Chandigarh
In another important administrative development, Syed Abid Rashid Shah, a 2012-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer originally from Jammu and Kashmir, has been assigned the additional charge of the Health and Medical Education Department, Chandigarh Administration.
The arrangement has been made as an interim measure until the return of the regular officer holding the department.
Officials said the move is intended to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the health administration and medical education system in the Union Territory.
Currently Serving as Tourism and Culture Secretary
At present, Syed Abid Rashid Shah serves as:
- Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Chandigarh Administration
- Managing Director, Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO)
Despite his existing responsibilities, the Chandigarh Administration has entrusted him with the additional charge of the Health and Medical Education Department, highlighting confidence in his administrative capabilities.
Will Continue Existing Responsibilities
Officials clarified that Shah will continue to perform his present duties while simultaneously supervising the functioning of the Health and Medical Education Department until further orders.
The additional charge includes oversight of:
- Public health administration
- Medical education institutions
- Healthcare policy implementation
- Hospital management and coordination
- Health infrastructure and service delivery
Transition from Jammu & Kashmir to Chandigarh
Syed Abid Rashid Shah was relieved by the Jammu & Kashmir General Administration Department on February 20, 2026, following his transfer and posting to Chandigarh under the AGMUT cadre framework.
Since assuming office in Chandigarh, he has been handling tourism and cultural affairs while also leading CITCO, one of the Union Territory’s key public sector undertakings involved in tourism, hospitality and commercial activities.
His latest assignment further expands his administrative portfolio within the Chandigarh Administration.
Ensuring Administrative Continuity
Both orders underline the government’s emphasis on maintaining administrative continuity through temporary charge arrangements whenever senior officials proceed on leave or key positions require interim oversight.
While Anil Malik’s assignment ensures uninterrupted functioning of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the Centre, Syed Abid Rashid Shah’s new responsibility is expected to help maintain seamless delivery of healthcare and medical education services in Chandigarh.
The appointments also reflect the increasing practice of leveraging experienced IAS officers across multiple domains to ensure governance efficiency and institutional stability.
