By Amrit Pal Sidhu / Babushahi Network
Chandigarh (07 May 2026)
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Nilkanth S. Avhad, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Punjab cadre, as the Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This appointment comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is in the rank and pay of an Additional Secretary to the Government of India.
To facilitate this appointment, the post has been temporarily downgraded to the Additional Secretary level. Nilkanth S. Avhad’s new role will involve overseeing and coordinating disaster management policies, strategies, and actions at the national level, a critical responsibility in ensuring preparedness and effective responses to natural and man-made disasters.
The position was previously held by Manish Bhardwaj, an IAS officer of the 1997 batch from the Gujarat cadre. Bhardwaj has now been appointed as Adviser to the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This reshuffling highlights the government’s focus on placing experienced officers in pivotal positions to strengthen disaster management mechanisms and enhance inter-state coordination on key national issues. Avhad’s extensive experience in public administration is expected to bring valuable insights and leadership to his new role at NDMA.
The National Disaster Management Authority plays a crucial role in formulating policies, laying down guidelines, and ensuring timely and effective disaster response across India. With Avhad at its helm, the organization is poised to continue its mission of mitigating disaster risks and enhancing resilience across the country.