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Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Capital in sync: How bureaucrats & ministers are powering BJP's Delhi push
In its first 100 days in power, the BJP-led Delhi government has moved swiftly on key development initiatives, aided by close coordination with central ministries and Lt-Governor V K Saxena. Major decisions include the Cabinet nod regarding the formation of a Group of Ministers for the rollout of the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, a Bill to regulate private school fee hikes, and the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Officials attribute the pace of work to the BJP's control, both electorally and bureaucratically, at four levels — Centre, State, and both municipal corporations — which has enabled what the party refers to as a 'four-engine' model of governance. At the heart of this approach is, what sources in the bureaucracy term, a core group of handpicked bureaucrats posted across city and central departments, tasked with delivering 'visible and tangible change' on tight deadlines when it comes to developmental projects across the country. Domain experts and aides posted in the Prime Minister's Office since the formation of the BJP government in 2014 aside, this network has been built gradually. It also received a nudge in the last three months through at least three recent reshuffles, involving over 50 IAS, IPS and DANICS officials in Delhi. Among the key appointments is that of 2006-batch IAS officer Kaushal Raj Sharma. 'Earlier this month, the PM-led Appointments Committee of the Cabinet handpicked Sharma, a Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer, who has served in the PM's Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, as the new CEO of the Delhi Jal Board,' a source said. In February, three senior IAS officers with significant tenures at the Centre were given key postings in the new Delhi Chief Minister's Office. As per an order issued by the Services department of the Delhi government, Dr Madhu Rani Teotia, a 2008-batch AGMUT cadre officer, was posted as Secretary to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta while Sandeep Kumar Singh and Ravi Jha, both of whom belong to the 2011 batch of the Central cadre, were appointed special secretaries. Before this, 2005-batch UP cadre officer Surendra Singh had been brought to the L-G's Secretariat on inter-cadre deputation in 2022. Under PM's watch According to bureaucratic sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is personally involved in Delhi's development agenda to transform it into a 'world-class capital'. A party insider pointed out that Delhi, located between important BJP-ruled states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with which it shares contiguous borders, has emerged as the core of the BJP's development politics agenda, especially in terms of urban infrastructure. 'Delhi's administration is now atop a list of BJP-ruled states where development-related projects are helmed by a team of bureaucrats and advisors with separate areas — ranging from waterbody rejuvenation to urban infrastructure development among others — under their charge, at the PM's office,' a source said. The Yamuna river rejuvenation, in addition to water supply and sewage management in the city, is a prime example of the PM's involvement. The source added, 'Bear in mind a meeting chaired on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna by PM Modi himself and then by Union Home Minister Amit Shah…' The PM, officials said, has set a timeline for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna — a year-and-a-half. Entities related to a similar project on the Narmada river in Gujarat are said to have made multiple presentations to 'the highest levels of the central government' since February. The PM's direct involvement when it comes to developmental projects in Delhi is not new but, given the formation of the BJP's government in Delhi on the cusp of almost three decades and his electoral pitch of transforming the city during the elections, more crucial as a deliverable. According to a senior government official, previous instances of development-related projects in the Capital under direct scrutiny by Modi in the recent past include the Central Vista Project, Bharat Mandapam and construction of the new Parliament. Central cooperation According to an official, while there was no denying the Centre's 'amenability for cooperation', this was not only 'natural' but also systemic. Over the past three months, union ministers have shown open support for Delhi's new administration. Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has approved projects related to decongesting highways passing through the city, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has committed that the country's top educational institutions will work with the Delhi government to find solutions for its challenges. Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal has chaired a meeting with Gupta and officials from 13 Delhi government departments to discuss solutions for water, road, traffic and infrastructure projects. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has hosted the Delhi CM along with industry experts to chalk out a way forward for various development-related projects. This is a far cry from when AAP was in power, which saw frequent and public displays of animosity between the elected government and the L-G's Secretariat over the conduct of bureaucrats. The battle over who has control over the Services department — and an SC order in favour of the elected government but which was nullified by the Centre via the GNCTD Amendment Act — was a trigger for several run-ins. From not releasing funds for developmental projects to sabotaging key schemes, the AAP Delhi government had levelled a slew of charges against bureaucrats, accusing them of toeing the Centre's line. A senior government officer, however, said, 'It will be unfair to compare 11 years of the previous (AAP) government's rule with the 100 days of a new (BJP) government, but what has been on display in the city since its formation is cooperative federalism as far as Centre-State relations are concerned, coordination between Raj Niwas and the CM's office, and the restoration of trust between the Delhi government and its tools, the bureaucracy.' 'Central ministries are stepping forward with suggestions about projects, yes — but it is not like they did not do so during the tenure of the previous government. Look at the Delhi Metro and the NAMO RRTS projects — partnerships between the Centre and Delhi — being starved of funds over the last decade and ending up in courts,' the officer added. The Delhi government, according to another officer, 'very much has a say' in policy decisions when it comes to the city, despite a more proactive approach being exhibited by the Centre through its ministries. 'This period is a far cry from the previous government's tenure, which started with a bit of aggression, a deep distrust of the existing order, antagonism towards the bureaucracy and a skewed idea of a war against corruption — where everyone was corrupt except themselves,' the officer added. What had also come to the fore in the last 100 days was a change in the 'institution of the CM' per se, said another official. 'Unlike the tenures of the previous two CMs (AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi), the institution of the CM itself has undergone a positive transformation. She (Gupta) is visibly in command, signing off on decisions related to most government departments which have been assigned to her and is in consultation and not confrontation with either the L-G or the Centre,' this official said. 'Whether it is a transferred subject or not, they (the Delhi government) have consulted the L-G on various matters related to the city's administration without any skirmish or rough creases even in rare instances of disagreements. In terms of development and a cooperative approach, many in bureaucratic circles refer to (former Congress CM) Sheila Dikshit's art of statesmanship in Delhi as far as the new CM's approach is concerned,' the official added. Jatin Anand is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express. Over the last 15 years, he has covered bureaucracy & politics, crime, traffic & intelligence, the Election Commission of India & Urban Development among other beats. He is an English (Literature) graduate from Zakir Husain Delhi College, DU & specialised in Print at the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. He tweets @jatinpaul ... Read More
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
IAS Kaushal Raj Sharma goes to inter-cadre deputation to Delhi
Kaushal Raj Sharma, a 2006 batch IAS officer of UP cadre, goes to inter-cadre deputation to AGMUT cadre (Delhi segment) for a period of three years. Sharma was transferred from the post of divisional commissioner, Varanasi, to secretary in Uttar Pradesh CM office on April 21. Kaushal Raj Sharma was transferred from post of divisional commissioner, Varanasi, to secretary in UP CM office on April 21. (HT file) Due to his proximity to the Prime Minister Office (PMO), there was buzz in the bureaucratic circles that Sharma will go on central deputation soon and that he might get top post in the central government or PMO. An order issued by department of personnel and training on Tuesday states that in the exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 6 (1) of the Indian Administrative Services (Cadre) Rule, 1954 and with the concurrence of the Uttar Pradesh government and Ministry of Home Affairs, the Centre has accorded approval to inter-cadre deputation of Kaushal Raj Sharma from UP cadre to AGMUT (Delhi segment) for a period of three years. The AGMUT cadre refers to Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram, Union Territories including NCT of Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Puducherry. The order makes it clear that during deputation, Sharma will be posted in Delhi. There are speculations that Sharma might get top post in Delhi government. Sharma remained in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi— for over 5 years—first as the district magistrate and then as the commissioner of Varanasi division, before being shifted to Lucknow as secretary to the chief minister. Earlier, he was posted as the CDO Lucknow and special secretary in the infrastructure and industrial development department. He has also served as DM in five districts, including Lucknow, Pilibhit, Muzaffarnagar, Prayagraj and Kanpur Nagar. Sharma was posted as Varanasi DM on November 2, 2019. The state government had to cancel his transfer when he was promoted and posted out of Varanasi as divisional commissioner Prayagraj in June 2022. He held dual charge as Varanasi DM and Varanasi divisional commissioner for some period. Later, he continued to work as divisional commissioner since October 7, 2022.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bureaucratic reshuffle in UP: Two record innings come to an end amid questions of why and how
LUCKNOW Bureaucratic reshuffles are often a routine exercise in governance, but occasionally they involve sweeping administrative moves that create a larger buzz of why and how. Monday night's big transfers in Uttar Pradesh qualify in this category, especially because of two names - 2006 batch IAS officer Kaushal Raj Sharma and IAS officer Shishir, a member of the 2013 promotee batch. While Sharma came across as one of the most trusted lieutenants of the powers that be, Shishir was considered among the closest to chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Both officers created a record of sorts for their long stints in a state earlier known for shorter tenures. Kaushal Raj Sharma remained in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency - Varanasi - for over 5 years - first as the district magistrate and then as the commissioner of Varanasi division, before being shifted to Lucknow late on Monday night, as secretary to the chief minister. Shishir held the post of director of information, UP, for nearly 7 years in a row - the longest tenure in at least three decades on a seat considered vital to both the chief minister and his government's public relations and publicity. He is now special secretary, MSME, and CEO of Khadi and Gramudyog Board. The reshuffle brought an end to these long innings. Sharma held various important positions, including CDO (Lucknow) and special secretary in the infrastructure and industrial development department. His experience as DM in five districts, including Lucknow, Pilibhit, Muzaffarnagar, Prayagraj and Kanpur Nagar probably came in handy for him when he was chosen for one of the most sensitive and important post of Varanasi DM. He assumed charge as Varanasi DM on November 2, 2019. It was probably because of the hard work he put in and his efficient handling of public affairs as Varanasi DM that the state government was compelled to cancel his transfer when he was promoted and posted out of Varanasi as divisional commissioner Prayagraj in June 2022. Kaushal Raj Sharma held dual charge as Varanasi DM and Varanasi divisional commissioner for some time and thereafter continued to work as divisional commissioner since October 7, 2022. Efforts for relief during Covid lockdown, panchayat elections, 2022 UP assembly elections and G-20 summit were among the challenges of his tenure as DM and commissioner, Varanasi. On the other hand, Shishir, who was posted as director, information, UP, in 2018 for the Yogi Adityanath-led government, continued to work on the post for nearly seven years. A state civil service officer, he was promoted to IAS (2013 batch). Shishir had one of the longest tenures as director, information, and made his mark not only for his proximity to the powers that be, but also for his courteous demeanor and efficient handling of challenges. Shishir was able to avoid any political controversies while performing his duties even during 2019 Lok Sabha, 2022 UP assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Mahakumbh was also held in his tenure as director of information.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Outgoing divisional commissioner's fruitful association with Kashi
1 2 3 Varanasi: The outgoing divisional commissioner of Varanasi, Kaushal Raj Sharma , made a significant difference in the distict, undertaking significant projects during his five and a half years in Varanasi. He took charge as district magistrate of Varanasi on Nov 2, 2019. He has now been appointed secretary to the chief minister. Under direct supervision of the Prime Minister and chief minister's offices, Sharma played a major role in maintaining law and order and in completing development projects in Varanasi. During his tenure, 320 projects worth Rs 27,250 crore were inaugurated, and work is in progress on 101 projects worth Rs 15,340 crore. He received the Best Civil Servant Award from the Prime Minister, along with several other honours, including Best Electoral Roll award. His administrative skills were evident during the Covid pandemic, where his model for preventing black marketing of essential commodities during lockdown was noteworthy. During his tenure in Varanasi, there were 25 visits of the Prime Minister, four of President, three of Vice President, over 25 of Governor and 98 of chief minister. He provided hospitality to foreign diplomats during events like SEO and G20. The move of promoting him from DM to commissioner by the PMO was fruitful. As DM, he oversaw MLC, Panchayat, and Assembly elections in 2022, and as commissioner, he led the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 35 & Earning? Protect Your Family with ₹1 Cr Life Cover ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo He arranged high-level facilities for devotees at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple , which were appreciated during the Mahakumbh. He ensured peaceful execution of court commission and ASI survey actions at the Gyanvapi complex and initiated worship in the basement following court orders. He resolved cases at record speed in the commissioner's court.
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Midnight reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh: Information Director Shishir Singh transferred, Kaushal Raj Sharma brought into CMO
A major midnight bureaucratic reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh saw the entry of 2006-batch IAS officer Kaushal Raj Sharma, who was serving as Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi, into the Chief Minister's Office as secretary to the Chief Minister. In an another major shift that came as a surprise, Director of Information Shishir Singh, who was considered close to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, was also transferred and replaced by 2015-batch IAS officer Vishal Singh, who was Bhadohi District Magistrate and had earlier served as vice chairman of the Ayodhya Development Authority from 2020 to 2024. A total of 33 officers were transferred in the reshuffle. Kaushal Raj Sharma, who has been made secretary to the CM, served as District Magistrate of Lucknow from 2017 to 2019 and then District Magistrate of Varanasi until 2022, before he was appointed Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi. He came to be known for his crisis management skills while serving as District Magistrate of Muzaffarnagar in 2013, where he took charge soon after the communal riots there. He has also served as District Magistrate of Prayagraj, Kanpur and Pilibhit. Meanwhile, the most unexpected transfer was that of Director Information Shishir Singh, who had been in the post since 2017. He has now been made Special Secretary, MSME, and CEO of Khadi and Gramudyog Board. Vishal Singh, who was promoted as IAS in 2015, and was serving as District Magistrate Bhadohi, will replace him and take charge of all his responsibilities, including as Director of Information and Special Secretary, Culture Department. Notably, Vishal Singh had served as Vice Chairman of Ayodhya Development Authority from September 2020 to February 2024, which included the period of development work being implemented in Ayodhya surrounding the construction of the Ram Temple. Also among those transferred were the District Magistrates of Varanasi, Azamgarh, Hapur, Bareilly, Ambedkar Nagar, Ghazipur, Jhansi, Kushinagar, Mahoba, Bhadohi, and Sant Kabir Nagar.
