In a significant top-level bureaucratic reshuffle, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved multiple senior-level changes across key ministries, with a notable transition in the tourism portfolio.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. He succeeds Srivatsa Krishna, who has now been moved to head the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Kumar brings strong administrative and technology-driven governance experience to the role, having most recently served as CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). His background in digital infrastructure and large-scale public systems is expected to align with the government’s growing push toward digital tourism, smart destination development, and data-led policy planning.
The leadership change comes at a crucial time for India’s tourism sector, as the country sharpens its focus on infrastructure expansion, global positioning, and high-value inbound travel. With multiple large-scale initiatives underway, including destination development and international promotion, the new appointment is likely to play a key role in shaping the next phase of tourism growth.
The reshuffle also reflects a broader administrative recalibration across ministries such as finance, rural development, and information & broadcasting, aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating policy execution across priority sectors.
