Inside Raisina Hill: Call For Light-Touch Regulatory Framework

As one walks down the Hill along the Rajpath, now renamed Kartavya Path, come other edifices — Rail Bhavan, Krishi Bhavan, Shastri Bhavan, and Kartavya Bhavan on one side and Sena Bhavan, Udyog Bhavan, and Vanijya Bhavan on the other. The bureaucrats who adorn the offices in these buildings decide on India's economic, social, and industrial policies. There are many tales to be told from the corridors of these grandiose buildings. We let you in on some of them here in this week's edition of "Inside Raisina Hill".

Light-Touch Regulatory Framework

Calling for a certain shift towards light-touch and risk-proportionate regulation, NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba has argued in favour of regulatory oversights, which keep pace with innovation while preserving competition and investment.

Addressing a plenary session on “Regulatory Oversight in an Age of Disruption” at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave, Gauba said policymakers should focus on managing genuine risks without creating unnecessary barriers to technological advancement and business growth.

He underlined the growing complexity of the global economic environment, marked by geopolitical uncertainty, disruptions to trade routes and supply chains, and the increasing use of tariffs, export controls and investment restrictions as strategic instruments.

Gauba also flagged the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies, saying technological change was advancing faster than some regulatory and institutional frameworks could adapt.

While stressing that regulation remains essential for safety, consumer protection, market integrity, and systemic stability, he cautioned against excessive or poorly designed rules that could undermine innovation, competition, and investment.

The NITI Aayog Member said India’s competitiveness would increasingly depend on a regulatory environment that is clear, consistent and predictable, particularly for businesses planning investments and expansion. He stressed that regulatory requirements should be calibrated to the nature, scale, and potential consequences of the risks involved.

Hurdle Cleared For Gyanesh Bharti's Central Deputation

In a sudden U-turn the government has waived the extended cooling-off period applicable to 1998-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer Gyanesh Bharti, clearing the way for him to be considered for another Central deputation before the end of his original cooling-off timeline.

The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) following Bharti’s premature repatriation to his parent AGMUT cadre, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said in an order.

Bharti was repatriated at the request of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the cadre controlling authority, while serving as Deputy Election Commissioner, a post he had held since August 2025. He was then appointed Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on his return to the cadre.

Bharti had joined the Ministry of Women and Child Development as Additional Secretary on June 19, 2024, for a four-year Central deputation ending June 18, 2028.

His premature repatriation had triggered an extended cooling-off restriction, which, based on the original deputation tenure and the applicable one-year period, would have effectively run until June 18, 2029. The ACC waiver removes that hurdle, potentially making Bharti eligible for another Central deputation before that date.

IRS Officer Sinha Elevated To Apex Grade

Senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Shailendra Kumar Sinha has been elevated to the apex grade of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), becoming a Principal Chief Commissioner/Principal Director General of Customs and Indirect Taxes.

According to a 5 October order issued by the Department of Revenue, the President has approved Sinha’s promotion against the 2026 panel year in Level 17 of the Pay Matrix, or the Apex Scale. The promotion will take effect from the date he assumes charge and will continue until further orders.

A 1991-batch IRS officer of the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre, Sinha is currently serving as Director General, Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), New Delhi.

His regular posting in the apex grade will be decided separately with the approval of the competent authority. Until then, he will hold the promotional post on an in-situ, or “as is where is”, basis.

Sinha has over three decades of experience in indirect tax administration and has held several key assignments during his career. He has risen through the ranks from Commissioner and Principal Commissioner to Chief Commissioner and now the Principal Chief Commissioner grade.

His elevation to Level 17 in the pay matrix places him in the highest scale applicable to the CBIC’s top field and directorate-level positions.

Session On Workplace Stress By Brahma Kumari Speaker

The Ministry of Steel organised a Mini Chintan Shivir on “Peace of Mind at Workplace” at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute (CSOI), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, focusing on workplace well-being, stress management, and professional efficiency.

The session brought together officers and employees to reflect on ways to create a healthier and more balanced work environment while strengthening emotional well-being and productivity.

Brahma Kumari Sister Shivani, spiritual speaker and chief guest and keynote speaker at the programme, addressed participants on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in professional and personal life.

Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik, while addressing the gathering, underlined the significance of peace of mind in the workplace. He said a calm and balanced work environment not only contributes to employee well-being but also supports greater productivity and efficiency.

The session also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss workplace pressures and ways of dealing with stress constructively.

Sister Shivani urged officers and employees to approach challenging situations with positivity and composure. She stressed that determination and a clear resolve to achieve a goal can help overcome obstacles, adding that the same mindset can be applied to managing stress and maintaining mental balance.

Government Pulled Up On Disabled Cadets' Welfare

During a recent hearing, the Supreme Court has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s response on the welfare of military cadets discharged from training after suffering injuries or disabilities, saying its earlier directions had not been properly complied with.

A Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna, R. Mahadevan and D.K. Upadhyaya has reportedly questioned the government’s affidavit in the suo motu proceedings concerning the rehabilitation and welfare of disabled military cadets.

The Court observed that the Centre had failed to place on record any clear indication that the recommendations of the Sabharwal Committee had been meaningfully reconsidered in the light of its earlier directions. Merely referring to previous decisions, it said, could not be treated as compliance with the Court’s orders.

The Bench directed the Centre to convene a proper review meeting and place its outcome before the Court.

The case concerns cadets discharged from institutions including the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA) after sustaining injuries or disabilities during training. Their discharge effectively ends their prospects of pursuing a military career.

The Court also took note of the difficulties faced by cadets whose disabilities fall below the 40 percent benchmark prescribed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, leaving them outside certain statutory benefits.

The Bench stressed the need for serious consideration of their welfare, particularly as the disabilities were suffered while they were undergoing training to serve in the armed forces.