Mumbai: In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday transferred 12 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, introducing major changes across some of the state’s most important infrastructure, urban development, industrial and civic institutions.
The reshuffle affects strategic organizations including the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the National Health Mission (NHM). The transfers are being viewed as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen governance and accelerate implementation of key development projects.
Vijay Singhal Appointed OSD for Dharavi Redevelopment Project
One of the most notable decisions in the reshuffle is the appointment of Vijay Singhal, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project in Mumbai.
The position had remained vacant since the retirement of former IAS officer SVR Srinivas last year. The absence of a dedicated full-time administrative head for the ambitious redevelopment project had drawn attention from both bureaucratic and political circles.
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The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is regarded as one of India’s largest urban renewal initiatives, aimed at transforming Asia’s largest slum cluster into a modern urban settlement while balancing rehabilitation, infrastructure development and economic growth.
With Singhal’s appointment, the government appears keen to provide dedicated administrative leadership to ensure smooth execution of the high-profile project.
Ashwani Mudgal Takes Charge as New CIDCO Chief
Following Vijay Singhal’s transfer, Ashwani Mudgal, who was serving as Additional Commissioner of MMRDA, has been appointed as the new head of CIDCO.
CIDCO plays a crucial role in urban planning and infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including the development of Navi Mumbai and several major infrastructure projects. Mudgal’s experience in metropolitan planning and regional development is expected to support the agency’s ongoing initiatives.
Prajakta Lavangare Verma Returns to Maharashtra Administration
Another important posting in the reshuffle is that of Prajakta Lavangare Verma, who recently returned from Central deputation.
She has been appointed as Additional Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India’s richest municipal corporation and the civic body responsible for governing Mumbai.
Verma replaces Ashwini Joshi, who has now been transferred to MMRDA as Additional Commissioner.
The appointment comes at a time when the BMC is implementing several large-scale infrastructure, sanitation, transport and urban governance initiatives across the city.
Ashwini Joshi Moves to MMRDA
As part of the transfer exercise, Ashwini Joshi has been posted as Additional Commissioner of MMRDA.
MMRDA is currently overseeing several mega infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including metro rail expansion, road connectivity projects and urban mobility initiatives. Her experience in civic administration is expected to contribute to the authority’s expanding project portfolio.
Changes in MIDC and Forest Department
The reshuffle has also impacted the industrial and environmental administration sectors.
P. Velrasu, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), has been appointed as Secretary, Forest Department.
The post had reportedly remained vacant, and his appointment is expected to strengthen policy implementation and administrative coordination in the department.
Meanwhile, Deependra Singh Kushwah, who was serving as Development Commissioner, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of MIDC.
MIDC is one of Maharashtra’s most significant industrial development agencies, responsible for promoting industrial growth, attracting investments and developing industrial infrastructure across the state.
Kadambari Balkawade Gets Industries Assignment
In another important move, Kadambari Balkawade, Commissioner (Family Welfare), has been appointed as Development Commissioner (Industries) at the Directorate of Industries.
The posting places her in a key position responsible for industrial promotion, entrepreneurship support and policy implementation in Maharashtra’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.
The appointment reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening industrial growth and investment facilitation mechanisms.
Sanjay Katkar Moves to Health and NHM
Sanjay Katkar, Managing Director of Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation, has been appointed as Commissioner (Family Welfare) and Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Mumbai.
The NHM plays a critical role in implementing public health programmes, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving healthcare delivery systems across the state.
His appointment comes at a time when Maharashtra continues to focus on expanding healthcare access and improving public health outcomes.
Strategic Realignment Across Key Sectors
Officials believe the latest transfer exercise represents more than a routine administrative reshuffle. The changes place experienced officers in leadership positions across critical sectors including:
- Urban infrastructure and planning
- Housing and redevelopment
- Industrial development
- Municipal governance
- Public health
- Environmental administration
The appointment of a dedicated OSD for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is particularly significant given the project’s scale and national importance.
With major infrastructure and development initiatives underway across Maharashtra, the government appears focused on strengthening administrative leadership and ensuring effective implementation of flagship programmes.
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