UP Government Reassigns Ten Senior IAS Officers to New Departments
The Uttar Pradesh administration has issued a fresh transfer list affecting ten senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. The reshuffle comes as the state grapples with persistent complaints over electricity supply in rural areas, prompting a re‑organisation of the Energy Department and several other key portfolios.
Energy Department Gets New Leadership
Ranveer Prasad has been appointed Principal Secretary of the Energy Department, taking over from Dr Ashish Kumar Goyal. In addition to his new role, Prasad will chair the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, the Power Transmission Corporation, the State Electricity Production Corporation and the Uttar Pradesh State Load Dispatch Centre.
Labour and Employment Receives New Secretary
Dr Ashish Kumar Goyal, previously heading the Energy Department, has been transferred to the Labour and Employment Department as its Principal Secretary. The move aligns with the government's focus on addressing workforce issues alongside the ongoing power challenges.
Transport and Tourism Portfolio Expanded
Amrit Abhijat, who was already in charge of the Tourism, Culture and Charitable Works Department, has been given the additional responsibility of Additional Principal Secretary for Transport. This dual role is expected to enhance coordination between tourism promotion and transport infrastructure development.
Higher Education and Medical Education Realignment
Amit Kumar Ghosh has been moved from his position as Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education to head the Higher Education Department. The responsibility for Medical Education has been transferred to V. Hekali Jhimomi, who previously oversaw the Forest and Environment Department.
Agriculture Department Leadership
Dr M.K.S. Sundaram has been appointed Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, covering agriculture, agricultural education and research, agricultural marketing, as well as foreign trade and export promotion in the sector.
Panchayati Raj and Food Logistics Changes
Ravindra has been named Principal Secretary of Panchayati Raj, while Anil Kumar has been shifted from the same department to become Principal Secretary of Food and Logistics, Consumer Affairs, and Commissioner of Food and Logistics.
Forest, Environment and Climate Change
Mahendra Prasad Agrawal, formerly in charge of Higher Education, is now Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, with added responsibility for climate‑change initiatives.
Technical Education and Stamp Registration
Amit Gupta has been given the additional charge of the Technical Education Department, joining his existing duties in Stamp and Registration.
Context of Rural Power Complaints
The reshuffle, particularly the changes in the Energy Department, follows a series of grievances from residents of rural Uttar Pradesh regarding unreliable electricity supply. By appointing Ranveer Prasad, who will also oversee key power corporations, the state aims to streamline decision‑making and improve service delivery.
