Following the minor Secretary-level reshuffle at Centre people in power corridors opine that it appears more of a course correction and realignment than a reshuffle reflecting a sound objective.

Appointment of Rajesh Bhushan (lAS:1987:BH), OSD in MoHFW, as Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare is something which was expected. He will succeed Ms Preeti Sudan (lAS:1983:AP) on her superannuation on 31 .07.2020. 

Ram Mohan Mishra (lAS:1987:AM) was appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development vice Ajay Tirkey. Presently, Mishra is working as Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Ajay Tirkey (IAS:1987:MP) was laterally shifted to the Department of Land Resources as Secretary vice Ruolkhumlien Buhril (lAS:1984:TN) retiring next week. Appointment in the Department of Land Resources was obviously a routine requirement.   

The appointment of Tirky on a lateral shift basis from the Ministry of Women and Child Development to Land Resources appears more of making avenue for Ram Mohan Mishra who was working on Secretary equivalent level post in the rank and pay of Secretary (GoI).  

Union Mines Secretary Sushil Kumar (lAS:1987:TR) was appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCST) in the rank and pay of Secretary (GoI) vice Ram Mohan Mishra whereas Coal Secretary Anil Kumar Jain (lAS;1986:MP) was given the additional charge of the post of Secretary, Ministry of Mines.  

It is believed that the lateral shift of Sushil Kumar from Mines to NCST is something unusual yet unsurprising. Looking back, the Ministry of Coal and Mines have seen several abrupt and unpleasant changes at the top. Coal and Mines are tuff turfs and require a tight rope-walk.