Government Appoints Ms. Neha Verma as Central Nodal Officer for Korba District Under PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

New Delhi, February 20, 2026: The Government of India, through the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), has issued an Office Memorandum effecting a change in the Central Nodal Officer (CNO) for Korba district in Chhattisgarh under the Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). The order was issued today by the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Ms. Neha Verma, Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture & Family Welfare, has been appointed as the new Central Nodal Officer for Korba district, replacing Shri Niraj Kumar Bansod, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The appointment has been made through Office Memorandum No. 9/7/2025-EO(SM-I)(2) dated February 20, 2026.

Background:

This appointment follows the office memorandum of even number dated October 3, 2025, and subsequent amendments issued from time to time regarding the appointment of Central Nodal Officers for reviewing and monitoring Aspirational Agricultural Districts under the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.

The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aims to transform agricultural districts with significant potential for growth and development. Central Nodal Officers play a crucial role in reviewing progress, monitoring implementation, and ensuring effective coordination between central and state agencies for the scheme's success.

Contact Information for Clarifications:

For any clarifications regarding the appointment or the scheme, CNOs may contact Shri Navin Kumar Vidyarthi, Adviser (P&M) in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare. He can be reached via email at navin.vidyarthi@nic.in or on contact numbers 9899726673 and 011-23382434.

Documentation:

The order references previous circulars and amendments related to PMDDKY appointments issued on October 3, 2025; October 24, 2025; November 20, 2025; December 3, 2025; December 31, 2025; and February 16, 2026. Links to all these documents have been provided in the appendix of the Office Memorandum for reference.

Circulation:

The Office Memorandum has been circulated to all Secretaries to the Government of India, with copies marked to the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (Secretary, New Delhi), the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (Shri Navin Kumar Vidyarthi, Adviser), and NIC, DoPT.

About PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana:

PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at accelerating agricultural development in aspirational districts across the country. The scheme focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, improving infrastructure, and ensuring better market access for farmers in identified districts. Central Nodal Officers are appointed to oversee and coordinate the implementation of various components of the scheme at the district level.