Ashutosh Garg appointed Personal Secretary to JP Nadda

IAS officer Ashutosh Garg has been entrusted with a significant responsibility by the central government. Garg has been appointed as the personal secretary to Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, and Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Ashutosh Garg, an IAS officer of the 2014 batch from Himachal Pradesh, has been given a major role by the central government. The dynamic IAS officer has been appointed as the personal secretary (equivalent to deputy secretary) to Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, and Chemicals and Fertilizers. The central personnel department has issued orders to this effect.

Garg’s appointment will be for a period of five years from the date he assumes charge. The state government has been instructed to relieve him immediately. Notably, this is not the first time Nadda has brought an IAS officer into his office; he previously employed IAS officer Ritesh Chauhan when he became the Health and Family Welfare Minister.

Currently, Ashutosh Garg serves as the Special Secretary for Finance and Personnel. Several other IAS officers from the state, including Manish Garg, Rohan Chand Thakur, and Mansi Sahay Thakur, are also preparing for central deputation. Additionally, there are likely to be administrative reshuffles in the state soon.

Previously, retired IAS officer Tarun Kapoor was appointed to the PMO. Prime Minister Modi has shown trust in Himachal cadre officers during his two terms, and continues to do so in his third term. Ashutosh Garg hails from Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh.