Dehradun: Even as the model code of conduct for Panchayat elections remains in effect in Uttarakhand, the state bureaucracy is witnessing significant internal reshuffles. In a noteworthy development, IAS officer Rohit Meena has rejoined government service following his study leave, while senior officer Banshidhar Tiwari has been assigned an influential position in Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s office.
Rohit Meena May Finally Get District Command Post
Rohit Meena, a 2014-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been attached to the state’s Personnel Department upon his return from study leave. Government sources indicate that he could be entrusted with a field-level assignment soon – possibly his first posting as a District Magistrate (DM).
Interestingly, Meena has so far not served as a DM or Chief Development Officer (CDO) in any district. His career trajectory has largely included administrative roles such as Managing Director of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and MD of the Industries Department. Considering this, the state government is said to be actively evaluating a district-level leadership role for him to balance his administrative portfolio.
Reference of Nitika Khandelwal’s Recent Appointment as DM
The case of IAS officer Nitika Khandelwal provides a precedent for such a move. Until recently, she too had not held a DM position, but the government appointed her as the District Magistrate of Tehri. Her appointment has sparked discussions within bureaucratic circles about similar placements for other IAS officers still awaiting their first district command.
There is now speculation that Meena could soon follow a similar path, reinforcing the Dhami administration’s strategy of empowering mid-career officers by entrusting them with leadership roles in the field.
Banshidhar Tiwari Enters CM’s Inner Circle
In a parallel development, senior IAS officer Banshidhar Tiwari has been appointed Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister. His portfolio will include serving as Vice President of MDDA (Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority) and Director General, Information. This move signifies a reshuffle within the Chief Minister’s core administrative team.
Tiwari’s appointment comes alongside that of IFS officer Parag Madhukar Dhakate, who has also been inducted into the Chief Minister’s office recently. Both placements hint at a strategic administrative overhaul led by CM Dhami, possibly in preparation for key policy rollouts post-election season.
Awaited Orders and Upcoming Changes
While these appointments mark critical changes, sources suggest that more orders regarding postings and responsibilities are likely to be issued soon. However, with the code of conduct in effect, any major reshuffle – particularly at the district or municipal level – will likely occur once the electoral process concludes.
Nonetheless, the decisions made so far underscore Chief Minister Dhami’s proactive and sometimes surprising approach in administrative matters, particularly in elevating officers who have remained in the administrative background.
