New Delhi, February 24, 2025 – As part of a significant reshuffle in India’s bureaucratic framework, several high-profile appointments have been announced this month, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening key sectors such as space, power, water, interstate coordination, and transportation. These postings, effective as of February 2025, involve seasoned officers and technocrats tasked with driving critical national initiatives forward. Below is a detailed update on the appointees and their new roles.
Dr. V. Narayanan: Secretary & Chairman, Space Commission, Department of Space
Dr. V. Narayanan, a distinguished rocket scientist and veteran of India’s space program, has assumed the prestigious dual role of Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman of the Space Commission. He took charge in January 2025, succeeding S. Somanath, whose tenure concluded that month. Narayanan, an apex-grade Distinguished Scientist, also serves as Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). His appointment comes at a pivotal time as India gears up for ambitious projects, including three uncrewed missions to prepare for future human spaceflight. In a recent interview with *The Indian Express*, Narayanan outlined his vision for advancing India’s space capabilities, leveraging his extensive experience in propulsion systems and satellite technology. His leadership is expected to steer ISRO toward new milestones, reinforcing India’s position in the global space race.
Akash Tripathi, IAS: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power
Akash Tripathi, a 1998-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power. With over two decades of administrative experience, Tripathi brings a wealth of expertise in governance and infrastructure management to this critical portfolio. Prior to this role, he served in various capacities in Madhya Pradesh, including as a District Collector and in state-level administrative positions. His posting is seen as a strategic move to bolster the ministry’s efforts in addressing India’s growing energy demands, promoting renewable energy initiatives, and enhancing power distribution efficiency. Tripathi’s tenure is anticipated to focus on policy implementation and coordination with state governments to achieve national electrification goals.
Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, IAS: Additional Secretary & Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission
Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, a 1998-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, has taken on the dual role of Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) under the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Appointed in January 2025, Soan is tasked with overseeing the flagship program aimed at providing tap water connections to every rural household by 2024—a target that has seen significant progress but remains ongoing into 2025. With a strong background in rural development and public administration, Soan previously served as a senior official in Jharkhand, managing key welfare schemes. His leadership is expected to accelerate the mission’s rollout, ensuring sustainable water supply systems and addressing implementation challenges in remote areas.
Ms. Shubha Thakur, CSS: Additional Secretary, Department of Inter State Council Secretariat
Ms. Shubha Thakur, a 1989-batch Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officer, has been elevated to the position of Additional Secretary in the Department of Inter State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs. With over three decades of service, Thakur is recognized for her meticulous approach to administrative coordination and policy execution. Her new role involves facilitating dialogue and resolving disputes between states, a critical function under India’s federal structure. Before this appointment, she held significant positions within the central government, contributing to inter-ministerial coordination. Thakur’s expertise will be instrumental in strengthening cooperative federalism, particularly as interstate issues like water sharing and boundary disputes remain contentious.
Shri Vinay Kumar, IAS: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Shri Vinay Kumar, a 1999-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Known for his administrative acumen, Kumar has extensive experience in infrastructure development and governance, having served in key roles in Bihar, including as a District Magistrate and in state transport departments. His appointment aligns with the government’s push to expedite highway construction, improve road safety, and enhance transport logistics under initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana. Kumar’s tenure is expected to focus on streamlining project execution, reducing bottlenecks, and fostering public-private partnerships to bolster India’s road infrastructure.