The Central Government has appointed Vivek Aggarwal (IAS: 1994, Madhya Pradesh cadre) to hold the crucial position of Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, assigning him the post as an additional charge. Aggarwal currently serves as the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, and his interim appointment ensures seamless policy continuity and coordination across two strategically linked sectors. He will retain the tourism portfolio until IAS Srivatsa Krishna assumes the office or until further notice from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
This dual assignment is viewed by policymakers as a strategic move to harmonize initiatives across India’s cultural heritage promotion and its rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure. The two Ministries are intrinsically linked, with many national schemes—such as the promotion of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign—requiring joint policy direction. Aggarwal’s leadership is expected to streamline efforts to leverage India’s historical and cultural assets to significantly boost both domestic and international visitor arrivals.
Aggarwal brings substantial administrative depth to the role, having held several key positions across critical Union Government departments. His previous senior responsibilities include tenures as Additional Secretary in the Department of Revenue and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Crucially, his experience in senior roles within the Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) provides him with a strong background in financial oversight and efficiency. This acumen is particularly vital for the Ministry of Tourism, which manages significant budgetary allocations for the development of tourism circuits and large-scale infrastructure projects. His extensive background in financial administration and policy execution is anticipated to ensure robustness and accountability in the delivery of ongoing projects during this transitional phase.
The appointment comes as the tourism sector continues to recover and grow, requiring experienced bureaucratic leadership to manage policy and investment. Aggarwal’s immediate mandate will be to maintain momentum on key initiatives, ensuring continuity in scheme implementation until the permanent appointment takes full effect. The DoPT’s decision to tap a seasoned officer like Aggarwal for a concurrent charge underscores the high priority the government places on stability and expert management within the Ministry of Tourism.
