Bhopal: In a major administrative reshuffle, the Madhya Pradesh government has transferred 26 IAS officers, including 14 district collectors and one divisional commissioner, ahead of the upcoming census process scheduled to begin on April 16.
The reshuffle, approved after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, is aimed at strengthening governance and administrative efficiency across the state.
Kaushalendra Vikram Appointed Secretary to Chief Minister
One of the most significant changes in the reshuffle is the appointment of Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, an IAS officer of 2010 batch, who was serving as Bhopal Collector, as Secretary to the Chief Minister.
He has also been given additional charge as Commissioner-cum-Director, Town and Country Planning.
Priyank Mishra Named New Bhopal Collector
2013 batch IAS officer Priyank Mishra, previously serving as Collector of Dhar, has been appointed as the new Collector of Bhopal, one of the most crucial administrative postings in the state.
Key Collector-Level Changes
Several important district-level changes were made:
- Rajiv Ranjan Meena → Collector, Dhar
- Somesh Mishra → Collector, Narmadapuram
- Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi → Collector, Rewa
- Pratibha Pal → Collector, Sagar
- Neha Meena → Collector, Seoni
- Rakhi Sahay → Collector, Umaria
- Sheela Dahima → Collector, Sheopur
- Bidisha Mukherjee → Collector, Maihar
These changes reflect a broader attempt to bring administrative dynamism at the district level.
Senior-Level Administrative Changes
- Sonia Meena → Additional Secretary, Finance Department
- Krishna Gopal Tiwari → Commissioner, Social Justice & Disabled Welfare, Bhopal
- Shilpa Gupta → Secretary, Home Department
- Abhishek Singh → Commissioner of Public Instruction & Secretary, School Education
Additionally:
- Ravindra Kumar Chaudhary → Additional Secretary, Narmada Valley Development & Water Resources
- Dharanendra Kumar Jain → Additional Secretary, Aviation Department
- Sandeep G. R. → Labour Commissioner, Indore
9 Women Officers Among Key Appointments
Out of the reshuffled officers, nine women IAS officers have been given key responsibilities:
- Shilpa Gupta
- Pratibha Pal
- Sonia Meena
- Sheetla Patle
- Neha Meena
- Rani Batad
- Rakhi Sahay
- Sheela Dahima
- Bidisha Mukherjee
Notably, five women officers have been appointed as district collectors, with three taking charge of a district for the first time.
First-Time Collector Appointments
- Rakhi Sahay → Umaria
- Sheela Dahima → Sheopur
- Bidisha Mukherjee → Maihar
These postings mark their first assignments as district collectors.
Pratibha Pal Gets Sagar After Rewa
Pratibha Pal has been appointed as Collector of Sagar after serving in Rewa, becoming the second officer after Preeti Maithil to follow this administrative trajectory.
Transfers Linked to Census and Administrative Planning
The reshuffle is strategically timed ahead of the census exercise and follows earlier administrative planning that began after the Special Intensive Revision process initiated by the Election Commission.
Though initially planned earlier, the transfers were delayed due to festivals and the Budget Session.
Governance Focus Behind the Reshuffle
Officials indicate that the reshuffle is aimed at:
- improving administrative efficiency
- balancing responsibilities among officers
- strengthening district-level governance
- preparing for upcoming administrative exercises
