In a significant reshuffle of IAS officers across India, the Union Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has announced new assignments for fourteen officers at the Additional Secretary level, with four appointed in-situ by temporarily upgrading their posts.
Mugdha Sinha, a 1999 batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General (Tourism) at the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. She takes over from Manisha Saxena (IAS, 1996, AGMUT batch), who has been named Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, through the temporary upgrade of a vacant post of DS/Director in the department.
Before this appointment, Sinha served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture for two years. She also held the position of Secretary, Art & Culture Department in Jaipur during 2020-21 and has been on central deputation since mid-2022.
Sinha’s extensive career spans over 20 years in governance, policy making, and international trade negotiations, with experience in the Ministries of Textiles, Industry, and Commerce both at the Centre and in Rajasthan.
Sunil Kumar, a 2016 batch IFS officer, was appointed as MD of Haryana tourism corporation Limited. Previously serving as the deputy conservator of forests in Faridabad, Kumar had a notable tenure as Secretary of the RTA in Hisar, Jind, and Rohtak. He is known for his integrity and effective administration.
Throughout her career, Sinha has held various key positions, including District Collector and District Magistrate for the districts of Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh, and Bundi. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with a graduate degree in History (Honors) from Lady Shree Ram College for Women, Delhi University, a postgraduate degree in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, along with an MPhil and a Diploma in Diplomacy & International Law.
Sinha’s extensive experience in culture, governance, and international relations is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Ministry of Tourism, driving new initiatives and strategies to promote India’s rich heritage and tourism potential on a global stage.
