Tanmay Kumar appointed Secy at Central Govt

Jaipur: In a significant development for the state’s bureaucracy, senior IAS officer Tanmay Kumar has been appointed Secretary in the Ministry of Environment & Forests by Central Govt. A 1993 batch officer known for his low profile, diligence, and no-nonsense approach, Kumar has made a remarkable leap in his career. He already held the crucial position of Chairman of the PCB.

On Saturday, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet of the GoI announced elevation of seven IAS officers to Secretary positions, including Kumar. Interestingly, Kumar has steadily climbed the ranks within the same ministry, having served as Joint Secy in Aug 2021, Addl Secy in Dec 2021, & Special Secy in Aug 2024 before reaching this top position. Sources reveal that Tanmay’s is an extraordinary example wherein an officer has climbed hierarchical ladder step by step and reached the top in same ministry. With an engineering background, Kumar brings a unique perspective to his role. He hails from a close-knit family and has previously handled strategic affairs as Principal Secy to former CM Vasundhara Raje for 5 years. His single-handed management of the CMO is still remembered fondly. Following his performance, the Cong govt led by Ashok Gehlot granted him an NOC to move to Delhi immediately after taking office. It is noteworthy that the then Assembly Speaker CP Joshi was so impressed with Kumar’s work that he played a significant role in facilitating this NOC. Tanmay’s Delhi deputation, under the prevailing political equations of the time, had become a talking point in Rajasthan.

Kumar’s hard work and competence have allowed him to maintain his impressive reputation in Delhi, following 5 successful years at the CMO. His appointment as Secy, just 8 months after his empanelment in Feb, highlights the current Modi govt’s preference for extraordinary and trustworthy officials. Hence Tanmay’s appointment as Secretary is also important for Rajasthan’s bureaucracy.

With this latest appointment, the number of Rajasthan Secretaries in the Central Govt has increased to four, now including V. Srinivas, Rajat Kumar Mishra, Sanjay Malhotra, and Tanmay Kumar. The bureaucratic community is now awaiting the elevation of 1994 batch officers Naresh Kumar Gangwar and Roli Singh.