India’s administrative landscape sees fresh leadership today with two senior bureaucrats stepping into high-profile roles. Vishwajeet Sahay, an IDAS officer from the 1990 batch, has formally taken charge as Secretary (Defence Finance) at the Ministry of Defence. The announcement came via an official statement, highlighting his transition from CGDA.
Sahay’s credentials are impeccable: a St. Stephen’s College graduate with a law qualification and over 30 years in defence finance. His career highlights include Additional Secretary in Science and Technology, Joint Secretary in Heavy Industries, and various leadership positions in defence accounts like Principal Controller (Pensions) in Prayagraj. Globally, he’s trained at Cambridge and the Marshall Center in Germany, enhancing his strategic acumen.
Meanwhile, Bharat Kheda, IAS (1995, Himachal Pradesh), assumes the Secretary position at MSME Ministry, succeeding his role as Additional Secretary in Consumer Affairs. Boasting 30+ years of service, Kheda’s expertise shines in defence, where he served as Joint Secretary (Air), managing IAF affairs, Republic Day events, BRO, and international ties from 2014-2020.
His Cabinet Secretariat stint involved pivotal COVID-19 responses in commerce and tech sectors. As MSME Secretary, Kheda aims to amplify the sector’s 30% GDP contribution, driving employment, manufacturing, and exports towards India’s 2047 developed nation goal. These appointments signal a focus on experienced hands steering key economic and defence pillars.
