New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued key notifications on Wednesday, including the assignment of additional charge to senior IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal and the empanelment of Manasi Sahay Thakur for Joint Secretary-level posts at the Centre.
Vivek Aggarwal Assumes Additional Charge of Ministry of Tourism
Senior IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal (IAS: 1994: MP), currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. This arrangement will continue until the joining of Srivatsa Krishna (IAS: 1994: KN) or until further orders.
Srivatsa Krishna was appointed as Secretary of the Tourism Ministry on 20 November 2025 and is expected to take charge following the retirement of V Vidyavathi (IAS: 1991: KN) on 30 November 2025.
Vivek Aggarwal, an IAS officer from the 1994 Madhya Pradesh cadre, has previously served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Revenue and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. He also held responsibilities in the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND). Known for his expertise in public administration, fiscal management, and policy implementation, Aggarwal was promoted to the Chief Secretary grade in Madhya Pradesh in 2025.
Manasi Sahay Thakur Empanelled for Joint Secretary-Level Posts
The DoPT also announced the empanelment of Manasi Sahay Thakur (IAS: 2009: HP) for holding Joint Secretary or equivalent positions at the Centre. Thakur, a mechanical engineer from the College of Engineering, Pune, currently serves as Director in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. She has also been posted as Labour Commissioner cum Director of Employment and Director of Tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Thakur cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with AIR 49 and is noted for her impactful administrative work, including leading campaigns against female feticide as Deputy Commissioner of Bilaspur. Daughter of IFS officer R R Sahay, Thakur emphasizes that public service extends beyond UPSC and believes in exploring diverse avenues to serve society.
About Vivek Aggarwal
- Cadre/Batch: Madhya Pradesh, 1994
- Current Role: Secretary, Ministry of Culture (Additional charge: Ministry of Tourism)
- Previous Roles: Additional Secretary in Revenue & Agriculture, Director, FIU-IND
- Expertise: Public administration, fiscal management, infrastructure development, agriculture reforms
About Manasi Sahay Thakur
- Cadre/Batch: Himachal Pradesh, 2009
- Current Role: Director, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
- Career Highlights: Deputy Commissioner of Bilaspur, Labour Commissioner cum Director of Employment & Tourism
- Background: Mechanical engineer, UPSC AIR 49, daughter of IFS officer R R Sahay
