Two IAS Officers Elevated to Director Rank in Ministry of Mines

The Government of India has approved important administrative upgrades in the Ministry of Mines, elevating two senior IAS officers — Shri Bakki Karthikeyan, IAS (MP:2012) and Ms. Geetika Sharma, IAS (AGMUT:2012) — to Director-level positions, strengthening leadership at the top of one of India’s most strategic ministries.

According to an official memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Shri Bakki Karthikeyan’s post of Private Secretary to the Union Minister for Coal & Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, has been re-designated from Deputy Secretary level to Director level. The upgrade is a personal measure, effective from the date he assumes charge of the re-designated post.

His tenure in the upgraded role will continue until 9 August 2029, or on a co-terminus basis with the Minister, or until he ceases to serve as the Minister’s Private Secretary — whichever comes earlier. Shri Karthikeyan has been on central deputation since 10 August 2024.

In a parallel decision, the DoPT has also approved the re-designation of Ms. Geetika Sharma from Deputy Secretary to Director in the Ministry of Mines. Her tenure in the upgraded role will remain valid until 29 May 2029, completing the five-year admissible period under the Central Staffing Scheme.

Strengthening Governance in a Strategic Ministry

The Ministry of Mines plays a vital role in India’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and energy transition. By promoting experienced officers to higher leadership responsibilities, the government aims to enhance policy execution, inter-departmental coordination, and long-term institutional stability.

These administrative decisions reflect the Centre’s ongoing efforts to reinforce governance capacity in sectors critical to India’s development trajectory.