Govt appoints IAS Arunish Chawla as New Revenue Secretary

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet ( ACC ) has named Arunish Chawla as the new Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, effective immediately. This decision was formalized in an official order released on December 25 by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training.

Arunish Chawla, an Indian Administrative Service ( IAS ) officer of the 1992 batch from the Bihar cadre, will succeed Ajay Seth, who had been serving as interim Revenue Secretary following Sanjay Malhotra's elevation to the position of Governor of the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ).

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Currently, Chawla serves as the Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, a position he has held since November 1, 2023. Before this, he was the Officer on Special Duty in the same department, showcasing his expertise in managing complex administrative responsibilities. In addition, Chawla will hold the additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Culture.

Throughout his prominent career, Chawla has held several important roles, revealing his adeptness in governance and strategic planning. His tenure as Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development in Bihar saw him doubling as the Secretary of the Bihar State Planning Board and the Project Director of the Bihar Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Society.

Other Key Appointment in the Secretary Level:

Rachna Shah (IAS: 1991: KL) has been appointed as the Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training ( DoPT ). Previously serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, Shah's extensive experience in personnel management and policy formulation is expected to strengthen the department.

Vineet Joshi ( IAS: 1992: MN ), previously the Chief Secretary of Manipur, has been appointed as the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. He replaces K Sanjay Murthy ( IAS: 1989: HP ), who has been elevated to the position of Comptroller and Auditor General ( CAG ) of India. Joshi's expertise in education and governance will bring valuable insights to his new role.

Neelam Shammi Rao ( IAS: 1992: MP ) has taken over as Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, replacing Rachna Shah. Rao was previously the Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities. Meanwhile, Sanjay Sethi ( IAS: 1992: MH ) has been appointed as the Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities, succeeding Neelam Shammi Rao. Sethi was previously posted in the Maharashtra cadre.

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Amit Agrawal ( IAS: 1993: CG ) has been appointed as the Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, replacing Arunish Chawla. Agrawal was earlier serving as the Director General of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India).

Lastly, Neerja Sekhar ( IAS: 1993: HY ) has been appointed as the Director General of the National Productivity Council ( NPC ) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade ( DPIIT ). She replaces S Gopalakrishnan ( IAS: 1991: TN ), who has now been appointed as Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission ( SSC ). Sekhar's post has been temporarily upgraded to the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. These appointments reflect the government's strategic focus on aligning administrative expertise with key governance priorities.

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