New Delhi: In a key administrative move, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the temporary upgradation of posts held by two IAS officers serving in the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to the rank of Joint Secretary.
The decision was conveyed through an official order released by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Vishesh Garhpale Gets Joint Secretary-Level Rank
Vishesh Garhpale (IAS:2008:MP), currently posted as General Manager (Madhya Pradesh) in FCI, has been granted an upgrade to Joint Secretary level (Pay Level-14). This temporary elevation will be in effect until September 7, 2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Garhpale has held various administrative roles throughout his career, and this elevation reflects a growing recognition of his service within the central public sector system.
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Sharandeep Kaur Brar Elevated to Pay Level-14
Sharandeep Kaur Brar (IAS:2009:HY), serving as General Manager (Haryana) in FCI, has also been awarded the same level of upgradation, effective until August 20, 2026, or until further orders.
Known for her tenure in various administrative and developmental capacities, Brar’s elevation underscores the government’s confidence in her leadership within a critical food supply and logistics sector.
Strategic Move Amid Food Sector Priorities
The temporary upgrades come at a time when FCI continues to play a vital role in ensuring food security, grain distribution, and public procurement across the country. Assigning Joint Secretary-level rank to regional general managers may be part of a broader strategy to strengthen operational leadership and streamline decision-making.
Such appointments also indicate the Centre’s efforts to retain top-performing officers in key roles by aligning their pay and rank with the strategic significance of their positions.
