Jaipur: In one of the biggest administrative reshuffles in recent months, the Rajasthan government on Friday night transferred 48 IAS officers, signaling a major structural and strategic re-alignment in the state bureaucracy. The changes come shortly after the appointment of new Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, and are being linked to former CS Sudhansh Pant’s departure on central deputation.
A key development is the appointment of Akhil Arora as the new Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Chief Minister, replacing Shikhar Agarwal, who has now been moved to Industries. Arora has also been given additional charge of Health and Ground Water, making him one of the most powerful officers in the state bureaucracy.
Akhil Arora Becomes the New Power Centre in CMO
The most significant move in the reshuffle is the elevation of Akhil Arora, who now holds dual responsibilities as ACS to the CM and ACS for Health & Ground Water. His appointment is being viewed as a strong message about administrative priorities in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Shikhar Agarwal to Pilot Industries and MSME Growth
Former ACS to the CM, Shikhar Agarwal, has been appointed ACS (Industries and MSME). He will also serve as Chairman of RIICO and RAJSICO, indicating the government’s push to boost industrial investments and strengthen the MSME ecosystem.
Key Departmental Changes: Revenue, Women & Child Development, Tourism Restructured
- Rajesh Kumar Yadav has been appointed Secretary of Revenue and Colonization, signaling an impending revamp of the state’s revenue administration.
- Bhawani Singh Detha has been moved from Food to become the new ACS of Women and Child Development, a department overseeing critical social welfare schemes.
- Rajesh Yadav, previously overseeing Tourism and Culture, has been shifted out of the Secretariat as DG, HCM RIPA, marking a major repositioning.
Praveen Gupta Gets Expanded Role Across Departments
PWD ACS Praveen Gupta has seen a notable rise in stature. While retaining PWD, he now also holds charge of –
- ACS Tourism
- ACS Art & Culture
- Chairman, RTDC
- CEO, Amer Development Authority
This consolidation underlines the government’s emphasis on tourism-led development.
Alok Gupta Shifted to Pollution Control Board
Former Principal Secretary (Industries) Alok Gupta has been appointed Chairman, Pollution Control Board, replacing Dr. Ravi Surpur. Gupta earlier served as Chief Secretary to the CM.
Finance, GAD, Medical Education and Food Departments Realigned
- Naveen Jain has been moved from Finance (Expenditure) to Secretary, GAD & Protocol, with additional responsibility as Resident Commissioner, Delhi.
- Gayatri Rathore has been promoted and assigned the crucial portfolio of Principal Secretary, Medical Education, while retaining Health.
- Ambarish Kumar, earlier in Medical Education, now takes over as Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies.
Major Shifts in Agriculture, Cooperative and Local Governance
Manju Rajpal now oversees three major departments – Cooperative, Agriculture & Horticulture, and Seed Corporation, making her one of the most influential bureaucrats in the current reshuffle.
Ravi Jain continues as Secretary, LSG, while also becoming DLB Commissioner and JCTCL Chairman.
Dr. Jogaram has been appointed Secretary of Revenue and Panchayati Raj, with additional charge of Commissioner, Panchayati Raj.
Divisional Commissioner-Level Transfers
Nalini Kathotia becomes the new Divisional Commissioner of Bharatpur, replacing Dr. Tina Soni, who moves to Finance (Expenditure).
Anil Agarwal has been appointed Divisional Commissioner of Kota.
Energy, IT and Renewable Sector Postings
Rohit Gupta has been transferred from Industries Commissioner to MD, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited.
Dr. Ravi Surpur moves from Pollution Control Board Chairman to Secretary, IT, and Chairman, Rajcomp Info Services Ltd.
Four APO Officers Posted; Major Cadre Strengthening
Four APO (Awaiting Posting Order) officers have now been assigned roles –
- Archana Singh – Secretary, Personnel
- Himanshu Gupta – Secretary, IT & MD, Rajcomp
- Harphool Yadav – Commissioner, Kota Development Authority
- Nidhi Patel – Additional CEO, State Health Insurance Agency
Other Key Appointments
- Babulal Goyal becomes Devasthan Commissioner, Udaipur.
- Bachanesh Kumar Agarwal takes charge as MD, Rajfed.
- Shubham Chaudhary becomes Horticulture Commissioner.
- Dr. Nitish Sharma has been appointed Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister.
- Lalit Kumar, SA to Deputy CM Diya Kumari, has been transferred to the Medical Education Department.
Check Transfers List Here-
Background: Transfer List Delayed for Months Amid Internal Opposition
The large-scale reshuffle was long awaited. A list of 48 IAS officers was prepared in July, but internal resistance delayed its release. Over the past 10 months, more than 100 senior officers have held additional charges, reflecting administrative bottlenecks.
With the arrival of Chief Secretary V. Srinivas and his meeting with the CM on November 18, the long-pending exercise has now been executed.
