New Delhi, November 4
In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, C.N. Vasudev was today appointed as Secretary (Economic Affairs) in the Union Finance Ministry.
He replaces Mr Ajit Kumar, who has been shifted to the Planning Commission.
Mr Vasudev, the UP cadre 1966 batch IAS officer, is likely to be new Finance Secretary, official sources said, adding that formal order regarding this appointment had not yet been issued.
Mr Ajit, a 1964 batch Punjab cadre IAS officer, has been appointed Secretary in the Planning Commission. He will take charge of the post held by Mr N C Saxena, who is on leave.
Mr C.S. Rao, Director, National Institute of Rural Development, will succeed Mr Vasudev as Secretary (expenditure).
Mr Rao is a 1967 batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IAS officer, official sources added.
Contrary to expectations, Revenue Secretary S. Naryanan will continue to hold his post.
The seniormost of the three Secretaries in the Finance Ministry usually holds the post of Finance Secretary to carry out co-ordination activities.
Earlier reports indicated that the government might not have a Finance Secretary for the time being and all three Secretaries would directly report to the Finance Minister to avoid any seniority-related friction.
As per convention, Mr Vasudev could be made Finance Secretary only when Mr Narayanan is shifted from the Ministry. There are reports that he could be moved to the Commerce Ministry where the post of Secretary falls vacant only in February end when Prabir Sengupta retires.
Economic
Adviser Rakesh Mohan who resigned last month, apparently due to differences with Finance Secretary Ajit Kumar on policy issues has been asked to continue.
