JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has transferred 65 IAS officers and replaced collectors in 25 districts, ahead of the new financial year. The late-night order issued on March 31 has brought significant changes, particularly within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), which has undergone a near-complete revamp.
One of the most discussed names on the transfer list is Sikar Collector Mukul Sharma. Sharma had recently been in the spotlight following a reported clash with Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma, who had even indicated that he would complain to the Chief Minister. In a surprising turn, Mukul Sharma has now been appointed as Special Secretary to the Chief Minister. The decision has raised eyebrows, with some critics interpreting it as a sign of bureaucratic assertiveness in the state.
A key highlight of the reshuffle within the CMO is that, except for Additional Chief Secretary Akhil Arora, almost all members of the previous team have been replaced. The reconstituted CMO now features a relatively young team, with officers such as Jitendra Soni taking on prominent roles.
Jaipur Collector Jitendra Soni has been appointed as Secretary to the Chief Minister. He will also hold the additional charge of Secretary (Administration) in the Department of Information and Public Relations. Notably, Soni was recently honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Among other appointments, young IAS officers Riya Dabi, Rajat Yadav, Akshat Singh, and Garima Narula have been posted as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) in the CMO, while Utsav Kaushal has been appointed as Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister.
In a significant administrative change, Jaipur will also see a new district collector after a long interval. Sandesh Nayak, currently serving as Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, has been appointed as the new Collector of Jaipur.
Meanwhile, notable IAS officer Tina Dabi, former Barmer Collector, has been posted as District Collector of Tonk. Dr Jogaram has been assigned key responsibilities in the Panchayati Raj Department and the National Health Mission, while Rajan Vishal will oversee the Jal Jeevan Mission. Arvind Kumar Poswal has been appointed as Commissioner of the Rajasthan Housing Board.
The reshuffle comes shortly after the transfer of several IPS officers, with the IAS list having been awaited in administrative circles for the past few days.