Dr Sandeep Rai Rathore has been appointed as Director General of Police/Head of Police in Tamil Nadu. He is a 1992 batch IPS officer.

Existing vacancies of IAS officers in different states is weakening India’s administrative backbone. As of January 2024, nearly 1,300 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) positions remain vacant out of an authorised strength of 6,877. This is a 19% shortfall. What is more worrying is that the vacancies persisted for over a decade. Vacancies mostly exist in mid-sized posts and as a result, many states are effectively losing an entire mid-sized  administrative capacity.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will represent India in a high-level international effort aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints. The initiative, involving 35 countries including the UK, France, Japan, and the UAE, seeks to ensure freedom of navigation and stabilize global trade routes affected by rising tensions in the Gulf. The meeting, expected to take place later this week, will discuss coordinated diplomatic and security measures to safeguard commercial shipping and energy supplies. India’s participation underscores New Delhi’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and securing its vital energy lifelines from the Gulf. Misri’s presence signals India’s growing diplomatic weight in crisis management and maritime security issues at a time when disruptions in the Strait could significantly impact global oil prices and energy flows.

Two Gujarat cadre IAS officers Additional Chief Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Department Mona Khandhar from the 1996 batch and Arti Kanwar (2001 batch), currently Chief Commissioner of State Tax are joining the Government of India as Additional Secretary.

Ms Anupama Bhatnagar has been promoted to HIG and posted as Pr DG Directorate of Publication Division, Delhi. She is an IIS officer.

Dhiraj M. Kakadia has been promoted as DG. He is an IIS officer.

Ananda Bantia has been appointed as IFA at Director level in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Delhi. He is a 2012 batch IRAS officer.

Rahul Haridas Fating has been appointed PS to Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh. He is 2012 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre.

Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel), has assumed the additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

Anurag Kapil, a 1998 batch officer of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), has assumed charge as Director (Finance) at NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer.

Rajesh Kumar has assumed charge as Director (Finance) at REC Limited on 2^nd April 2026. Rajesh Kumar is a seasoned finance professional who brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the public sector, specifically in the power and infrastructure financing domains. He has multidimensional experience in accounts, taxation, audit, treasury, project appraisals, and regulatory compliances.

In a significant policy shift, the government has rolled back its earlier directive requiring airlines to keep at least 60 percent of flight seats available for booking without extra charges. The move comes after strong objections from carriers, which cited operational challenges and potential commercial losses arising from the order.

The earlier directive was introduced to promote fair access and prevent disproportionate seat pricing practices that burdened passengers. However, airline operators argued that such restrictions interfered with revenue management systems and dynamic pricing models essential for viability in a competitive market.

Following multiple rounds of consultations with industry stakeholders, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has now kept the provision in abeyance pending further review. For the moment, airlines are required to ensure that 20 percent of seats remain available for booking without additional charges beyond the base fare. Officials said the decision balances passenger interest and industry sustainability while the broader pricing framework is reassessed.

 All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) and All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC) highlighted shortfalls in clerk recruitments for 2026–27 and broader staffing/PLI disparities. These discussions gained traction in late March 2026.

Exclusive insights suggest Bihar's decade-old alcohol prohibition, enforced since 2016 under Nitish Kumar, is poised for a phased rollback following his recent resignation as Chief Minister on March 30, 2026.

Nitish, who stepped down ahead of his Rajya Sabha oath on April 10 amid NDA power dynamics, leaves a policy legacy under scrutiny amid hooch deaths, a Rs 30,000 crore revenue loss, and a thriving Rs 25,000-30,000 crore illicit mafia.

The incoming government plans to reclaim control in phase one by authorizing state-run liquor sales, curbing black market dominance while testing regulated IMFL outlets—mirroring Nitish's original 2015 phased rollout but in reverse.

Subsequent phases may expand access, addressing NDA ally pressures and opposition calls from Prashant Kishor, who vows repeal within minutes of power. This shift prioritizes revenue recovery and enforcement amid Bihar's dry-state failures, potentially reshaping social and fiscal landscapes.

Procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft and additional S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile systems.

PSBs continue rolling out the Credit Assessment Model (CAM) using digital footprints for faster MSME lending (launched 2025; over Rs 41,500 crore sanctioned by Nov 2025). No new phase announced in late March 2026, but it exemplifies the shift toward data-driven, automated credit processes.

 Contracts signed (Rs 858 crore total) include Rs 445 crore with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport for Tunguska Air Defence Missile System (Army). Rs 413 crore with Boeing India for depot-level inspection of Navy’s P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft (under ‘Buy Indian’ with 100% indigenous content). This reflects accelerated indigenisation and modernisation amid regional security concerns.

Four SAG level ITS officers have been repatriated and reported back to their parent DoT. They are -Manish Kumar Garg, Pankaj Gupta, Vinod Singh and Sunil Kumar Sharma.

Ms Surabhi Malik has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. She is a 2012 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre.

Ms Nelli Harika has been promoted to the Senior Time Scale (STS) of Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS). She is a 2021 batch ICAS officer.

Two ICAS officers have been promoted to the Junior Time Scale (JTS) of ICAS and posted as Assistant Controller of Accounts following promotion. Accordingly, Kedar Nath is posted with the Department of Commerce and Ministry of Textile, New Delhi, while Laxmi Kant Meena will join the Office of CGA, New Delhi.

The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sheo Shekhar Shukla has been designated as the Chairperson of the State Transport Authority, Madhya Pradesh, under the Transport Department. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran convened a high-level meeting with over 30 CEOs and MDs of group companies to review the emerging macro-economic situation amid the ongoing war. He informed the leadership that more than 10,000 Tata employees are currently in the affected region, spread across companies including Voltas, TCS, Indian Hotels, and Titan (including Damas). The group has implemented several support measures, such as facilitating the return of employees and families in transit via Air India, securing Saudi Arabia visas through the Indian Embassy for personnel in Qatar, and enabling land movement from Doha to Riyadh.

Chandrasekaran noted that supply chain disruptions, rising commodity prices, and oil volatility are creating margin pressures, delaying projects, and elevating operating costs. He advised companies to prepare for a challenging environment marked by demand slowdowns and timeline revisions. Key priorities include conserving cash, managing project starts carefully, strengthening cybersecurity, and implementing cost-improvement initiatives. He also urged leaders to prioritize employee well-being, particularly mental health, and remain agile for the eventual post-conflict recovery phase.

In a bid to mitigate the impact of global cost escalation on National Highway projects, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a temporary compensation mechanism effective from April 1 to June 30, 2026. Provisions for EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) and HAM (Hybrid Annuity Model) projects have been relaxed to facilitate monthly payments to contractors. Under modified EPC price adjustment norms, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for key components will now be taken one month prior to the Interim Payment Certificate month, instead of the earlier three-month gap. Price adjustment payments under EPC contracts will be released alongside monthly bills, while HAM projects will also receive monthly escalation payments based on the Price Index Multiple. The Ministry said the three-month relaxation will be reviewed depending on evolving global economic conditions.

The Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Centre for Advanced Research on Spirituality, Science & Society was inaugurated at IIT Madras. This interdisciplinary centre focuses on meditation, science, ethics, human consciousness, and societal impact. Facilities include a sound-insulated meditation room, dedicated research labs, and a library. It will offer courses, research programs, workshops, conferences, and collaborations. Key attendees included, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj (Spiritual Head, Science of Spirituality) and Prof. V. Kamakoti (Director, IIT Madras).

IIM Tiruchirappalli Convocation on April 4, 2026; IIT Tirupati Deep Tech Projects Call with joining in April–June) pre-date or fall outside the exact three-day window and involve no top-level bureaucratic shifts.

Dr M Malakondaiah and Lalit Chandra Trivedi have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL).

Rohit Choudhary has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA).

Pradeep Kumar Jajoria has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1984 batch IAS officer and retired as DG, Shri Krishna Institute of Public Administration, Jharkhand

Prahlad Kumar Sinha has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1984 batch IP&TAFS officer and retired as Member (Fin), Digital Communications Commission & Ex-Officio Secy to GoI.

Online applications have been invited for the post of Anthropologist (Cultural Anthropology Division) in Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture. Applications must reach latest by April 17, 2026.

Online applications have been invited for the post of Anthropologist (Cultural Anthropology Division) in Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture. Applications must reach latest by April 17, 2026.

Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited is seeking Director- Business  Development Finance for Bangalore. Applications must reach latest by April 30, 2026.

World Bank has advertised the post of E T Consultant-Industry Specialist (Cloud) for Washington, DC,  United States. Applications must reach latest by April 14, 2026.

World Bank is seeking Investment Officer-Financial Institutions Group for Nairobi, Kenya. Applications must reach latest by April 15, 2026.

S Natarajan, who is presently working as DRS/IC, Railway Board, has been appointed on deputation as Director in Procurement Policy Division, Department of Expenditure for a period of three years. He is an Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) officer.

 

Santosh Kumar Sharma, who is presently working as Principal Chief Materials Manager (PCMM), Metro Railway, has been transferred to North Eastern Railway and posted in the same capacity. He is an Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) officer.

Nine IAS officers have been given new assignments in W Bengal. Md Ghulam Ali Ansari has been appointed as Commissioner, Malda Division, while Avanindra Singh will join as Divisional Commissioner, Bardhaman Division and Surendra Gupta is now Divisional Commissioner, Presidency Division.  Similarly, Anoop Kumar Agrawal is posted as Divisional Commissioner, Jalpaiguri Division; Dr. Saumitra Mohan, Secretary, Transport, will also hold charge of Secretary, Labour Department; Onkar Singh Meena, PS, Agriculture, with additional charge of PS, Agricultural Marketing, will handle additional charge of Principal Secretary, Food Processing Industries and Horticulture Department; Narayan Swaroop Nigam, PS, Health and Family Welfare, will also hold the charge of PS, Public Health Engineering Department; Binod Kumar, ACS, School Education Department with additional charge of Higher Education Department and State Editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers and ACS, Mass Education Extension and Library Services Department, will hold the additional charge of ACS, Technical Education, Training & Skill Development and and Khalil Ahmed, ACS, Fire and Emergency Services Department, was assigned additional charge of ACS, UD & MA Department.

Two dozen IPS officers have been given new jobs in Haryana in a major reshuffle. Rajesh Kumar has been appointed as SP, SCB, while Arpit Jain joins as SP, Nuh and Dr Surinder Boharia is now SP, L&O. Similarly, Shashank Kumar Sawan is posted as AIG, Administration, PHQ; Maqsood Ahmed as SP, SV & ACB (H); Nitish Aggarwal as SP, Palwal; Varun Singla as SP, Security, CID; Arsh Verma as SP, SV & ACB (H); Siddhant Jain as SP, Hisar; Mrs Nitika Khattar as SP, Fatehabad; Mrs Pooja Vashisth as SP, SV & ACB (H); Gaurav Rajpurohit as SP, Rohtak; Ms Jasleen Kaur as SP, Dabwali; Ms Medha Bhushan as DCP, Sonipat; Deepak Jewaria as SP, Narnaul; Ms Deepti Garg as DCP, Jhajjar; Logesh Kumar P as SP, Charkhi Dadri; Ms Prabina P as DCP, Manesar with additional charge of Commandant, 4th IRB, Manesar, GGM; Rajesh Kumar Mohan as DCP, Crime, Faridabad; Shubham Singh as DCP, Crime, Jhajjar; Prateek Gahlot as DCP, Traffic GGM and in charge MERC, GGM; Ms Sonakshi Singh as DCP, Sonipat; Ms Uttam as DCP, NIT, Faridabad and Pratik Aggarwal was made DCP, Ballabhgarh. 

Dr A Arnu Thamburaj has been appointed as DEO/Collector, Salem, while Vishu Mahajan was made DEO/Collector, Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

Six IAS officers in Nagaland have been given new responsibilities. Kuko Mero has been relieved of additional charge of Managing Director, NBDA and retained Secretary, Home Department, while Vineet Kumar was made Additional Secretary, Finance & IDAN and Dharam Raj will join as DC, Tuensang. Similarly, Sara S Jamir is posted as Secretary, Science & Technology Department; Lithrongla T Rutsa as Additional Secretary, P&AR Dept with additional charge of MD, NBDA and K Mhathung Tsanglao is now DC, Wokha.

Nisar Ali Shah has been appointed as Additional Whole-time Director of WeP Solutions Limited.

Mahendrakumar Amritlal Gohel has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Hercules Investments Limited. 

Malay Doshi has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Coral Laboratories Limited with effect from May 27, 2026.

Ratneshwar Prasad has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Rama Phosphates Limited with effect from May 30, 2026. 

Sanjay Lohiya has ceased to hold office as Part-time Official Director of National Aluminium Company Limited.

Pankaj Sood has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Nominee Director of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited. 

Bishamber Nath Mehra has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of Goyal Aluminiums Limited.

Opacity in Appointments and the Urgent Need for Administrative Renewal

Sir, Recent reports indicating that only a handful of empanelled senior civil servants have been appointed to top positions reflect a deeper, systemic issue within public administration. This is not an isolated development—it mirrors a broader pattern seen across institutions in India, where transparency in appointments and decision-making often remains limited. A similar concern is increasingly visible in institutional setups where senior officers are sidelined or kept uninformed, while relatively junior functionaries are elevated to positions of significant authority. Such practices not only undermine institutional integrity but also erode morale among experienced professionals who bring stability, continuity, and depth of understanding to governance. Equally troubling is the perception that individuals with questionable records are being entrusted with leadership roles. If left unaddressed, this trend risks weakening administrative credibility and public trust. Institutions thrive on merit, accountability, and ethical leadership—any deviation from these principles can have long-term consequences. Another dimension of concern is the continued dominance of retired personnel in key administrative and confidential positions. While experience is valuable, over-reliance on retired officials may inadvertently stifle innovation, limit opportunities for younger professionals, and perpetuate legacy systems that are no longer aligned with present-day governance needs. There is an urgent need to move towards a more responsive, transparent, and merit-driven administrative framework. This includes: a) Ensuring fair and transparent appointment processes b) Strengthening accountability mechanisms c) Encouraging institutional participation and communication across all levels d) Undertaking large-scale recruitment of capable young professionals to infuse new energy and ideas A balanced approach—where experience is respected but not monopolized, and youth is encouraged but not unchecked—is essential for institutional renewal. Administrative systems must evolve to reflect the aspirations of a dynamic nation, where efficiency, integrity, and inclusiveness form the cornerstone of governance.

Prof Murugesan

Personal hearing before the first appellate authority

Information in respect of election in Sri Ram CGHS Itd. was sought. The CIC noted that the Complainant has not served a copy of the instant Complaint upon the Respondent. The CIC observed that serving a copy of documents (including Complaint, Second Appeal and Written submissions) to the opposite party is fundamental requirement for due process in legal proceedings and crucial for fairness, transparency, and also in the interest of expeditious response from the concerned Public Authority. The CIC issued an advisory u/s 25 (5) of the RTI Act to the Respondent Public Authority to provide a due opportunity of being heard to the parties while adjudicating the First Appeal in view of principle of natural justice.

Comments

There is no specific provision in the RTI Act, 2005 which provides for a compulsory personal hearing before the first appellate authority. However, it would be incumbent upon the FAA to grant a personal hearing to the appellant if it has been sought. The principles of natural justice should be followed.

Citation: S K T Sherman v. O/o the Registrar Cooperative Societies, File No: CIC/REGCS/C/2024/624441; Date of Decision: 18.08.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

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