New Delhi: The Government of India has empanelled five Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers for appointment to Joint Secretary or equivalent posts at the Centre, marking a significant addition to the administrative talent pool guiding central policymaking. One of the most distinguished names in the list is IAS Amod Kumar (1995 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre).
IAS Amod Kumar is currently serving as Deputy Director General (Joint Secretary equivalent) at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. His contributions to digital identity and governance have been widely acknowledged in administrative circles.
In the past, Kumar has held several key positions in Uttar Pradesh, including Principal Secretary for Planning and General Administration, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Member (Judicial) at the Board of Revenue, and District Magistrate of Sitapur and Faizabad.Â
Other officers in the list include:
IAS Idzes Angmo Kundan (1996 batch, Maharashtra cadre)
IAS officer Idzes Angmo Kundan brings over two decades of extensive administrative experience. She has served in a broad spectrum of roles in Maharashtra. Her key assignments include serving as Principal Secretary, Minority Affairs and Wakf Board, Secretary, Child Development and Women Empowerment, and Additional Commissioner, Municipal Administration in Mumbai. She also played a vital role as District Collector of Mumbai City, navigating one of the country’s most complex urban governance landscapes.
In rural administration, Kundan served as CEO of Zila Parishads in Gadchiroli and Raigad, while her urban governance experience includes being Municipal Commissioner of Amravati and Additional Commissioner of Nagpur.Â
IAS Dr Asvini Kumar Yadav (2001 batch, West Bengal cadre)
IAS Dr. Asvini Kumar Yadav, a medical doctor by training, holds an M.B.B.S. in Medicine and a postgraduate degree in Radiology, both with First Division. His transition from medicine to administration has given him a unique perspective on public governance, especially in the social sector.
Starting his administrative career in Kalimpong and Cooch Behar, Yadav rose through the ranks as Sub-Divisional Officer, Additional District Magistrate, and District Magistrate of Hooghly. Since 2015, he has been serving as Commissioner (Joint Secretary level) in the Departments of Backward Classes Welfare and Tribal Development in West Bengal. His efforts have centred around social justice, inclusive growth, and policy innovation for marginalised communities.
Yadav has also held important roles in industries, textiles, sericulture, and cooperatives, showcasing his ability to lead in diverse sectors.
IAS Nidhi Kesarwani (2004 batch, Manipur cadre)
IAS Nidhi Kesarwani brings a strong technical background to her administrative role, with an M.Tech. in Industrial Engineering from IIT Delhi and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Jabalpur, both with First Division.
Kesarwani is currently posted as Deputy Director (Director level) in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, where she has been playing a key role in health policy formulation since 2021. Her diverse experience spans rural development, healthcare, drinking water, and district administration, both in Manipur and during her inter-cadre deputation to Uttar Pradesh.
IAS Niranjan Kumar (2007 batch, West Bengal cadre)
IAS Niranjan Kumar began his administrative journey as Assistant Magistrate in Jalpaiguri, followed by postings as Sub-Divisional Officer in Khatra, and District Officer in Murshidabad. His early exposure to land reforms and rural administration laid the foundation for his impactful work in urban governance.
He later served as Special Secretary and Joint Secretary at the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), where he contributed significantly to the Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project (KEIP). Presently, he serves as Registrar (Joint Secretary level) in the Department of Cooperative Societies, West Bengal.Â
