19 IAS Changes in 19 Months: What’s Brewing in CM Mohan Yadav’s Office?

GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 12th Aug: Since taking charge as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister in December 2023, Dr. Mohan Yadav’s tenure has seen an extraordinary churn in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) — with 19 IAS officers changing in just 19 months. This unusually high rate of transfers has sparked debate over whether the CM is struggling to build a trusted administrative core, often referred to as “Team Mohan.”

19 in 19: A Pattern or a Problem?
According to state administrative records and media reports, the reshuffles have not been limited to the CMO. Across Madhya Pradesh, over 300 IAS officers have been transferred in less than two years, impacting key departments such as Public Works, Mining, Home, and even the Raj Bhavan. Such large-scale movement raises concerns about continuity in governance.

Why the Frequent Changes?
Performance-Driven Approach – Political observers suggest that CM Yadav has adopted a results-oriented style, preferring officers who can deliver quickly and align with his policy priorities. Those unable to match this pace are swiftly replaced.

Checks and Balances – The introduction of a 360-degree feedback system under Chief Secretary Anurag Jain has complicated the selection process, often balancing political preference with bureaucratic assessment.

Political Caution – Analysts point out that avoiding long-term reliance on any single officer could be a deliberate strategy to prevent the concentration of administrative influence, as seen in previous governments.

The Risks of Constant Rotation
While frequent reshuffles may help enforce accountability, they risk disrupting institutional memory and slowing down policy execution. Former bureaucrats note that stability in key positions is essential for sustained developmental outcomes. Comparisons with previous administrations suggest that longer tenures in critical posts allowed for more cohesive governance.

The Road Ahead for ‘Team Mohan’
The question remains whether CM Yadav can eventually settle on a core team of trusted officers. Without such stability, the state risks a cycle of short-term gains overshadowed by administrative instability. Political analysts argue that the next few months will be critical in shaping the long-term efficiency of the Yadav administration.