NEW DELHI, Feb 13: Lov Verma, Secretary of Department of AIDS control, has been given the additional charge of the post of Health Secretary after the transfer of Keshav Desiraju to Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Verma is a 1978 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Desiraju, who was appointed a year ago as the Health Secretary, was yesterday transfered as Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs.
When asked about his transfer, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had said, “These are administrative things. I don’t think people should get into it. Officer’s and Ministers’ portfolio’s change, it is a regular affair. He is a capable officer.”
According to sources, Azad was not happy with Desiraju’s performance of late.
Desiraju, a 1978-batch IAS officer from Uttarakhand cadre, had joined the Health Ministry as an Additional Secretary in 2010, after completing his tenure as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand. (AGENCIES)