Top-Level Bureaucratic Rejig: Punya Salila Srivastava Appointed Health Secretary

21 Aug 2024 CW Team

In a significant administrative overhaul, the Indian government has appointed Punya Salila Srivastava as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This move is part of a broader top-level bureaucratic rejig aimed at optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of various governmental departments.

Srivastava, a seasoned civil servant, brings extensive experience to the role. Her appointment is expected to drive strategic initiatives in public health, especially in the wake of ongoing health challenges and reforms. The reshuffle is part of a wider effort to enhance governance and streamline administrative functions across key sectors.

The decision reflects the government's commitment to strengthening its health infrastructure and addressing emerging health issues with renewed vigour. As Health Secretary, Srivastava will play a crucial role in shaping health policy and overseeing critical programs aimed at improving public health outcomes across the country.

The reshuffle also includes changes in other high-ranking positions, signalling a dynamic approach to managing the nation's bureaucracy and addressing contemporary challenges.

Infrastructure Urban

05 May 2026

Meghalaya And Assam Hold Talks To End Transport Stoppages In Garo Hills

Meghalaya and Assam have opened talks aimed at ending recent stoppages of commodity transport in the Garo Hills, officials said. The deputy chief minister, in charge of home affairs, reported that both state governments are coordinating to resolve disruptions and to restore normal movement of goods. He acknowledged that misunderstandings may have contributed to the incidents and that clarification between administrative units is under way. The discussions are intended to produce practical arrangements that will allow consignments to move without hindrance while respecting local procedures. The..

Kochi Metro Records 1.375 mn Rise In Passengers In FY26

Kochi Metro recorded a marginal rise in ridership in the financial year 2025-26, carrying 1.375 mn more passengers than in the previous year. The service carried 36.8 million (mn) passengers in 2025-26 compared with 35.5 mn in 2024-25, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.9 per cent. The growth was described as distributed rather than concentrated in isolated spikes. A month-wise analysis shows steady gains across quarters. In the first quarter, ridership increased from 8.57 mn to 8.84 mn, while the second quarter rose from 9.13 mn to 9.51 mn. These trends indicated broad-based improvemen..

Ghaziabad Plans 16km Metro Link To Delhi Via Hindon Airport

Ghaziabad authorities are pursuing a 16 km metro link to Delhi that will run via Hindon Airport, and a detailed project report is under way. The plan is intended to improve connectivity between Ghaziabad and the national capital and to provide an interchange with the airport. Officials said the project is being studied to assess alignments, station locations and cost estimates ahead of formal approvals and tendering. The announcement follows the inauguration of the Delhi?Faridabad metro extension, which will offer hassle free travel for around 0.2 mn daily commuters between the national capita..