New Delhi: In a recent bureaucratic move, the Narendra Modi administration has entrusted additional responsibilities to two senior IAS officers to ensure continuity in key ministries as the incumbent secretaries proceed on leave. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued formal orders on Friday outlining the temporary arrangements.
Nikunja Bihari Dhal to Take Additional Charge of Department of Justice
Nikunja Bihari Dhal, an IAS officer of the 1993 batch currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, has been assigned the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Justice. This temporary assignment will be effective from November 17 to November 30, 2025, during the leave of Niraj Verma (IAS: 1994: AM).
Mr. Dhal, with decades of administrative experience across multiple cadres, will oversee the Department of Justice, ensuring seamless functioning and continuity in policy implementation during Mr. Verma’s absence.
Punya Salila Srivastava to Hold Additional Charge of Ministry of Ayush
Punya Salila Srivastava, IAS officer of the 1993 batch and current Union Health Secretary, has been asked to take on the additional responsibility of Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. She will assume the charge from November 15 to November 23, 2025, during the leave of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha.
This temporary arrangement allows the Ministry of Ayush to continue operations smoothly while maintaining coordination with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, a critical aspect for ongoing public health initiatives.
Context: Recent Bureaucratic Realignments
This development follows a recent trend of senior-level administrative realignments in the Union government. In October 2025, Amit Yadav (IAS: 1991: UT), Secretary for Social Justice, was given additional charge of the Department of Persons with Disability following the repatriation of Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS: 1989: MH). Analysts note that such temporary arrangements help maintain continuity in governance and avoid disruption in departmental functioning.
By assigning these additional responsibilities to experienced officers like Nikunja Bihari Dhal and Punya Salila Srivastava, the government ensures that strategic policy implementation and day-to-day operations in critical departments continue without interruption.
Looking Ahead
The temporary arrangements are a routine practice in the Union bureaucracy, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining administrative efficiency even during periods of leave or transfer of senior officers. Both Nikunja Bihari Dhal and Punya Salila Srivastava bring extensive experience to their additional roles, which are expected to benefit their respective departments during this period.
