Understanding the 2023 Bureaucratic Reshuffle in India

Significant Bureaucratic Reshuffle in India

The Union government has initiated a notable bureaucratic reshuffle, appointing senior IAS officers to crucial positions in the economic, energy, and social sectors. This restructuring, sanctioned by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), aims to enhance policy implementation and improve administrative efficiency across various ministries.

Key Appointments Announced

Among the prominent changes, Lav Aggarwal has been appointed as the Director General of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), while Rabindra Kumar Agarwal will lead the Food Corporation of India (FCI). A total of 25 civil servants have been reassigned new responsibilities.

Why in the News?

The recent reshuffle by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet reflects the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen administration. Key figures such as Lav Aggarwal and Rabindra Kumar Agarwal are expected to play vital roles in enhancing governance.

Other Important Administrative Changes

• Srikant Nagulapalli appointed as Director General, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
• Nidhi Pandey promoted to Additional Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy
• Suchindra Misra appointed as Special Secretary, Department of Commerce

Appointments in Defence, Health, and Social Sectors

• Dinesh Mahur appointed Additional Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence
• Rakesh Gupta moved to Additional Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare
• Aneeta C Meshram transferred to the President’s Secretariat

Labor, Women & Skill Development Appointments

• Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh appointed Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development
• Sonal Mishra appointed Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Ministry of Labour & Employment
• Niranjan Kumar Sudhansu appointed Additional Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

What is a Bureaucratic Reshuffle?

A bureaucratic reshuffle refers to the transfer or appointment of senior civil servants to new roles with the aim to:

• Improve governance and policy execution
• Align administrative leadership with current priorities
• Fill vacancies in key institutions

Such reshuffles are approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, which is led by the Prime Minister.

Significance of the Reshuffle

• Strengthens leadership in trade, food security, energy, and social sectors
• Enhances coordination across ministries
• Ensures continuity and accountability in governance
• Reflects the government's focus on economic management and public service delivery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of a bureaucratic reshuffle?
Answer: A bureaucratic reshuffle aims to improve governance, align leadership with current priorities, and fill critical vacancies within government institutions.

Q2. How many civil servants were involved in the recent reshuffle?
Answer: A total of 25 civil servants were reassigned to new roles in the recent bureaucratic reshuffle announced by the government.

Q3. Who was appointed as the Director General of DGFT?
Answer: Lav Aggarwal was appointed as the Director General of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) during the recent bureaucratic reshuffle.

Q4. What role does the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet play?
Answer: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approves major bureaucratic reshuffles and appointments within the government, ensuring effective governance.

Q5. Why is the reshuffle significant for governance?
Answer: The reshuffle is significant as it strengthens leadership in key sectors, enhances coordination among ministries, and reflects the government's focus on effective public service delivery.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Who is appointed as the Director General of DGFT?
A) Rabindra Kumar Agarwal
B) Lav Aggarwal
C) Srikant Nagulapalli
D) Dinesh Mahur
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How many civil servants were reassigned in the recent reshuffle?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 25
D) 30
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What is the main focus of the recent bureaucratic reshuffle?
A) Political appointments
B) Economic management
C) International relations
D) Environmental issues
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Who is the new Chairman of FCI?
A) Ashutosh Agnihotri
B) Rabindra Kumar Agarwal
C) Nidhi Pandey
D) Suchindra Misra
Correct Answer: B