Vivek Bhardwaj, a veteran 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the West Bengal cadre, has been given the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Secretary, Department of Land Resources. Currently serving as the Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Bhardwaj will hold these critical portfolios temporarily starting January 31, 2026. This arrangement ensures leadership continuity during the leave period of Shailesh Kumar Singh (IAS 1991), which is expected to last until February 6, 2026. Bhardwaj’s extensive experience in rural governance makes him uniquely qualified to oversee these interconnected departments.
