Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Tuesday carried out a fresh bureaucratic reshuffle by transferring and appointing four Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers to key positions across important departments. The appointments cover strategic sectors including mining, information technology, agricultural marketing, and rural development.
The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) issued the transfer orders in the name of the Governor of Karnataka. Several officers who had been awaiting postings have now been assigned significant responsibilities, while additional charges held by other senior officers have been withdrawn following the new appointments.
Abhiram G Sankar Appointed Managing Director of KMERC
Among the key appointments, Abhiram G Sankar (IAS:2011:KN) has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC), Bengaluru, with immediate effect.
Sankar was awaiting posting prior to the new order. He replaces Dr. Sanjay S. Bijjur (IFS), who retired from service on attaining superannuation on June 30, 2026.
KMERC plays a crucial role in environmental restoration and rehabilitation of mining-affected areas across Karnataka, making the appointment strategically significant for the state’s mining governance.
Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran Gets IT & Biotechnology Department
The government has appointed Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran (IAS:2013:KN) as the Director of the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology, Bengaluru.
In addition to his new assignment, he has also been entrusted with the concurrent charge of Managing Director of the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS).
Like Sankar, Dr. Rajendran had also been awaiting posting before receiving this important assignment.
His dual responsibilities are expected to strengthen Karnataka’s technology ecosystem, digital infrastructure, electronics manufacturing, and innovation initiatives.
Yogeesh A.M. Named Director of Agricultural Marketing
Another important appointment is that of Yogeesh A.M. (IAS:2013:KN), who has been posted as Director of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, Bengaluru.
With his appointment, the additional charge previously held by Prasanna H. has been withdrawn.
The Department of Agricultural Marketing is responsible for strengthening agricultural markets, improving farmer access to marketing infrastructure, and implementing reforms aimed at ensuring better returns to farmers.
Divya Prabhu G.R.J. Appointed Commissioner for Rural Development
The government has also appointed Divya Prabhu G.R.J. (IAS:2014:KN) as the Commissioner for Rural Development, Bengaluru.
She too had been awaiting posting before receiving this assignment.
Following her appointment, the additional charge held by Dr. Arundhati Chandrashekar has been withdrawn.
As Commissioner for Rural Development, Divya Prabhu will oversee implementation of several flagship rural development programmes, including infrastructure creation, livelihood generation, and poverty alleviation initiatives across Karnataka.
Government Declares Equivalent Cadre Posts
Alongside the transfer orders, the Karnataka government also issued another important administrative decision.
It declared certain posts carrying responsibilities and status equivalent to the Director of Municipal Administrationas equivalent cadre posts under Rule 12 of the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016.
The move is aimed at ensuring administrative parity and streamlining cadre management within the state bureaucracy.
Transfer Order Issued by DPAR
The transfer notification was issued by T. Mahantesh, Under Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Services-1), in the name of the Governor of Karnataka.
The reshuffle places experienced IAS officers in key governance sectors while filling important vacancies that had remained pending, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening administrative efficiency across departments.
