S Aparna takes charge as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals

An IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre 1988, she will succeed PD Vaghela, assuming the post when he demits the office on his superannuation on September 30, 2020, as per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training.

Aparna was appointed to the post of Executive Director, World Bank, representing the Constituency of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2017. In 2019, she was given a proforma promotion as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) while she was on deputation in Washington DC as Executive Director, World Bank.

She has also served as the Principal Secretary to the then Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel in 2015. She is among the few officers who are much sought-after by the ministries for their exceptional skills and valued for their reliability.

According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, the committee has also approved the appointment of Anand Kumar and Apurva Chandra.

Kumar will take over as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture as Secretary, National Commission for Backward Classes, Ministry of Social justice and empowerment upon Ajoy Kumar's superannuation on September 30.

Meanwhile, Chandra will replace Heera Lal Samariya as the Special Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence has been also approved as Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment after Samariya's superannuation on September 30, reports ANI.