In a significant round of high-level bureaucratic appointments approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Amit Agrawal (IAS, 1993, Chhattisgarh) has been moved to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in a parallel transition from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
His appointment marks one of the most consequential shifts in the latest reshuffle, placing him at the helm of a ministry central to India’s ongoing 5G, 6G, and digital connectivity agenda.
Key Administrative Movements
Manoj Joshi (IAS, 1989, Kerala), currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development, has been transferred to the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. He replaces Amit Agrawal, who now assumes leadership of the DoT.
In another important shift, V. Vidyavathi (IAS, 1991, Karnataka), Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Neeraj Mittal (IAS, 1992, Tamil Nadu), who had been leading the Department of Telecommunications, has been named Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, succeeding Pankaj Jain (IAS, 1990, Assam–Meghalaya). Jain is set to join the Eighth Central Pay Commission as Member Secretary.
Reinforcing the importance of the telecom transition, the government reiterated that Amit Agrawal’s movement from Pharmaceuticals to Telecommunications is a parallel and strategic placement, underscoring continuity in sectoral leadership.
Sunil Paliwal (IAS, 1993, Tamil Nadu), currently Chairperson of the Chennai Port Trust, has been promoted to Secretary rank and appointed Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The position has been temporarily upgraded to accommodate his elevation.
With Vidyavathi’s shift, Srivatsa Krishna (IAS, 1994, Karnataka), who has been serving in his cadre, takes over as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.
Closing the list of major appointments, Atish Chandra (IAS, 1994, Bihar), Special Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, effective 1 February 2026. He will succeed Devesh Chaturvedi (IAS, 1989, Uttar Pradesh) upon the latter’s retirement on 28 February 2026. Until then, Chandra will serve as Officer on Special Duty in the rank and pay of Secretary.
