In a recent overhaul of the central secretariat, the Central Government has initiated a significant series of high-level changes of secretary level officers.
Apurva Chandra, a 1988 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, previously Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has been assigned the new role of Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare. This decision came following an order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Saturday.
Chandra, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Structural Engineering from IIT Delhi, has a long history of dealing with industry-related issues in both the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of India. With over seven years spent in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Chandra has been actively involved in formulating policies regarding fuel supplies, transportation, and distribution logistics.
Before his recent appointment as Health Secretary, Chandra served as the Special Director General, Defence Acquisition, Ministry of Defence, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the agenda of AtmaNirbhar Bharat by promoting greater domestic defense acquisition while ensuring the Armed Forces’ readiness.
From August 2011 to February 2013, Chandra also served as Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of HRD, Department of School Education & Literacy, demonstrating his versatility and experience across various sectors of governance.
