Shri Rakesh Kumar IAS Relieved from Excise Department Charge in Assam

Shri Rakesh Kumar IAS Relieved from Excise Department Charge in Assam – Continues Key Power Sector Roles. In a recent administrative update from the Government of Assam, Shri Rakesh Kumar IAS (Assam-Meghalaya cadre, 2005 batch) has been relieved from his additional charge as Commissioner & Secretary – Excise Department. However, he will continue to serve in his core roles as:

• Managing Director – Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL)

• Chairman – Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd (APGCL)

This change is part of a larger administrative restructuring aimed at improving focus and efficiency in critical departments.

Shri Rakesh Kumar IAS Relieved from Excise Department Charge in Assam

Background

• Batch & Cadre: 2005, Assam-Meghalaya cadre

• Current Role: MD, APDCL; Chairman, APGCL

• Former Additional Charge: Commissioner & Secretary – Excise Department, Assam

• Known for: Leadership in the power sector, administrative clarity, and effective public service delivery

Key Update: Excise Department Charge Relieved

As per the official government notification, Shri Rakesh Kumar has been relieved from the additional responsibility of overseeing the Excise Department in Assam.

What It Means:

• The Excise Department will now likely be assigned to another senior IAS officer for dedicated supervision.

• Shri Rakesh Kumar can now focus exclusively on the power sector.

Focus on the Power Sector

Even after this administrative change, Shri Rakesh Kumar retains two of the most critical positions in Assam’s power infrastructure:

1. Managing Director – APDCL

APDCL handles:

• Power distribution across Assam

• Management of billing systems and smart metering

• Infrastructure upgrades for rural and urban areas

• Loss reduction strategies and financial sustainability

2. Chairman – APGCL

APGCL is responsible for:

• Power generation across multiple thermal and hydel plants

• Capacity expansion projects

• Green and renewable energy initiatives

• Liaison with central energy policies and national power grid

Importance of This Reshuffle

The decision to relieve Shri Rakesh Kumar of the Excise Department allows for:

• More focused leadership in the power sector

• Addressing Assam’s rising power demand

• Accelerating infrastructure modernization

• Tackling distribution losses and billing issues

Excise Department in Assam – A Quick Overview

The Excise Department deals with:

• Regulation of liquor and narcotic substances

• Revenue collection through excise duties

• Enforcement of state laws related to alcohol production, sale, and consumption

• Monitoring illicit trade and smuggling

Handling the Excise Department is a high-pressure portfolio due to its revenue implications and enforcement challenges.

Challenges in Managing Multiple Roles

Earlier, Shri Rakesh Kumar was juggling:

• Power generation (APGCL)

• Power distribution (APDCL)

• Excise regulatory matters

This often stretches decision-making timelines and reduces departmental effectiveness.

By relieving him of one charge, the government ensures:

• Dedicated time for key portfolios

• Better governance and execution

• Clear hierarchical focus

What’s Next for the Excise Department?

Though the replacement has not been officially announced, a new senior IAS officer is expected to:

• Take over the Excise Department full-time

• Address revenue optimization

• Tighten enforcement and compliance

This will likely improve the efficiency and transparency of the department.

Shri Rakesh Kumar’s Achievements in Power Sector

APDCL

• Launched smart metering projects in several districts

• Improved revenue collection efficiency

• Digitized consumer grievance redressal

• Promoted online bill payment adoption

APGCL

• Spearheaded capacity upgrades of existing power plants

• Supported transition to green energy

• Encouraged public-private partnerships (PPP)

• Improved coordination with central ministries

Public and Administrative Reaction

• Senior officials have welcomed the move, stating it will bring administrative clarity

• Power sector insiders believe this will accelerate reforms under Shri Kumar’s leadership

• Excise officials expect a new full-time secretary will bring fresh focus to pending enforcement issues

Strategic Significance

This change is more than just an internal reshuffle. It reflects:

• The government’s strategic realignment of top IAS officers

• An intent to strengthen sector-specific governance

• A focus on efficiency and results-driven leadership

Conclusion

The Government of Assam has taken a well-calculated step by relieving Shri Rakesh Kumar IAS of the Excise Department charge, allowing him to fully focus on the state’s power sector. With increasing energy needs and infrastructure demands, this decision comes at the right time. The Excise Department, meanwhile, is expected to benefit from dedicated attention under a new officer.