Patna: In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Bihar government has transferred six senior IAS officers, including 1998-batch officer Narmadeshwar Lal, in a move that appears closely linked to preparation for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
The General Administration Department issued the transfer orders on Wednesday, signaling a strategic realignment of key administrative posts.
Narmadeshwar Lal Appointed Principal Secretary, Sugarcane Industry Department
Senior IAS officer Narmadeshwar Lal (1988 batch), has been relieved from his post as Principal Secretary, Minor Water Resources Department. He has now been appointed as the Principal Secretary, Sugarcane Industry Department, and will also hold the additional charge of Investigation Commissioner in the General Administration Department.
B. Karthikeya Dhanji Gets Multiple Key Roles
B. Karthikeya Dhanji (IAS:2008) has been moved from the Sugarcane Industry Department and made the Secretary of the Minor Water Resources Department. Additionally, he has been given the charge of Investigation Commissioner in the General Administration Department and Secretary of Industries Department.
Other Key Transfers–
Chiring Y. Bhutia (IAS:2013) has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Health Department.
Yashpal Meena (IAS:2014) will also serve as Additional Secretary in the Health Department and has been given the additional charge of Director, Handloom and Silk Directorate.
Rajneesh Kumar Singh has been appointed Registrar, Cooperative Societies and given the additional role of Additional Director, Bihar Development Mission.
Anshul Agarwal has been named the new Inspector General of Registration-cum-Excise Commissioner, under the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department.
Administrative Overhaul Ahead of Elections
These transfers come amid increasing political activity in Bihar, with the state gearing up for the Assembly Elections in 2025. Administrative reshuffles like this are often aimed at improving governance, election preparedness, and ensuring impartial functioning of key departments during the polling process.
The state government emphasized that the reshuffle is designed to enhance administrative efficiency and departmental coordination, especially in election-sensitive areas.
