Prez staff: Pranab may keep the cake, but change icing

Through his long ministerial career, Pranab Mukherjee always preferred to refrain from bringing about largescale changes in the bureaucratic structure. HT reports.

Through his long ministerial career, Pranab Mukherjee always preferred to refrain from bringing about largescale changes in the bureaucratic structure. The scene is going to be no different now, with old officials at Rashtrapati Bhawan likely to continue serving the new President. However, at the top-most level, a few of Mukherjee’s trusted aides are likely to assist him over the next five years.

Omita Paul

The former Indian Information Service officer who was Mukherjee’s all-powerful advisor in finance and defence ministry, she is slated to replace Christie Fernandez as secretary to the President.

Pradip Gupta
An Indian Defence Accounts Service officer, he is another probable entry in Team Pranab at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Fondly known as ‘GoM Gupta’ among his peers, he handled files related to GoMs and EGoMs in Mukherjee’s office.

Pradyut Guha
Mukherjee's closest political aide, Guha is also headed for Raisina Hill. He played a key role during Mukherjee's Lok Sabha polls and in the run-up to the presidential election.
Archana Dutta may retain the post of OSD (public relations) despite heavy competition from IIS officials