In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle announced in March 2025, the Government of India has appointed several senior officers to critical positions across key ministries, reinforcing its commitment to efficient governance and strategic policy implementation. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointments of Dr. Anju Rathi Rana as Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi as Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Shri Ajay Seth as Secretary of the Department of Revenue, Shri Shaktikanta Das as Principal Secretary-2 in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Shri Mohit Yadav as Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce. These appointments, effective from early March 2025, reflect a blend of experienced leadership and specialized expertise aimed at advancing India’s legal, agricultural, financial, and commercial frameworks.
Dr. Anju Rathi Rana: Pioneering Gender Diversity in Legal Affairs
Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, an officer of the Indian Legal Service (ILS), has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Previously serving as Additional Secretary in the same department, Dr. Rana’s elevation marks a historic milestone for gender diversity in India’s senior bureaucracy. Her appointment, effective from March 5, 2025, is for an initial tenure of two years. With extensive experience in legal administration and international representation at forums like the BRICS Ministers of Justice Meeting, Dr. Rana is poised to shape legal frameworks, guide judicial reforms, and enhance gender representation in the judiciary. Her leadership is expected to strengthen the department’s role in providing legal advice to the government and driving legislative initiatives.
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi: Steering Agricultural Research and Education
Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Secretary (Additional Charge) of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This appointment, announced in August 2024 but continuing into March 2025, underscores Chaturvedi’s expertise in agricultural policy. Having previously served in key roles within the Ministry of Agriculture, Chaturvedi’s leadership at DARE is expected to bolster India’s agricultural research ecosystem, particularly through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). His role will be pivotal in advancing innovation, improving farmer education, and aligning research with India’s goal of sustainable agricultural growth, especially as the nation targets food security and rural development by 2030.
Shri Ajay Seth: Leading Revenue Policy in Finance
Shri Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been appointed as Secretary (Additional Charge) of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. This strategic move, effective in early 2025, leverages Seth’s extensive experience in financial administration. Having served as Economic Affairs Secretary and in other senior roles, Seth brings a deep understanding of fiscal policy and revenue management. His appointment comes at a critical juncture as India navigates economic reforms, tax policy enhancements, and efforts to boost revenue collection to support infrastructure and social welfare programs. Seth’s leadership is expected to streamline tax administration, combat tax evasion, and align revenue strategies with the government’s vision of a $5 trillion economy.
Shri Shaktikanta Das: A Veteran’s Return to the PMO
In a high-profile appointment, Shri Shaktikanta Das, a retired 1980-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, has been named Principal Secretary-2 in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), effective February 22, 2025. Das, who concluded his six-year tenure as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in December 2024, brings unparalleled expertise in monetary and fiscal policy. As one of only two RBI Governors to serve a six-year term, Das’s appointment to the PMO is a rare distinction, making him the only bureaucrat with extensive experience in both central banking and government administration. His role will involve coordinating inter-ministerial efforts, preparing strategic notes for the Prime Minister, and ensuring seamless policy execution. Das’s return to the bureaucracy is seen as a move to infuse seasoned leadership into the PMO, particularly in navigating complex economic and geopolitical challenges.
Shri Mohit Yadav: Strengthening Commerce and Trade
Shri Mohit Yadav, a 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This appointment, effective in March 2025, highlights Yadav’s diplomatic and trade expertise, gained through roles in India’s foreign missions and international negotiations. As Joint Secretary, Yadav will play a key role in shaping India’s trade policies, promoting exports, and strengthening global commercial ties. With India aiming to expand its presence in international markets and boost initiatives like “Make in India,” Yahweh’s diplomatic acumen will be crucial in negotiating trade agreements and fostering partnerships with key economies. His appointment signals the government’s focus on integrating foreign policy with commercial strategy to enhance India’s global trade footprint.
A Strategic Reshuffle for Governance Excellence
These appointments reflect a deliberate strategy to place experienced and specialized officers in roles critical to India’s development agenda. Dr. Rana’s historic appointment breaks gender barriers while strengthening legal governance. Chaturvedi’s leadership in agricultural research aligns with India’s food security goals. Seth’s financial expertise will drive revenue reforms, while Das’s return to the PMO brings strategic depth to policy coordination. Yadav’s role in commerce underscores India’s ambition to lead in global trade. Together, these officers are expected to navigate complex challenges, from legal reforms to economic growth, while advancing the government’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
The March 2025 reshuffle demonstrates the government’s emphasis on merit, diversity, and expertise in its bureaucratic appointments. As these leaders assume their roles, their contributions will be closely watched, with expectations high for transformative impacts across their respective domains. This strategic alignment of talent with policy priorities sets the stage for a robust and forward-looking administration, poised to address India’s multifaceted challenges and opportunities