IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar, who was appointed Secretary of the Department of Higher Education on Thursday, is facing allegations related to subsidies reportedly received by members of his family under a protected cultivation scheme during his tenure at the National Horticulture Board.
The allegations stem from a June 2026 investigation by The Indian Express, which reported that Gangwar's mother, wife and son were among the beneficiaries of the scheme.
Gangwar had recently been appointed Secretary in the Ministry of Dairy and Animal Husbandry before being shifted to the Education Ministry, replacing Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Allegations linked to horticulture subsidy scheme
According to The Indian Express, Gangwar's wife, mother and son received subsidies under the National Horticulture Board's Protected Cultivation Scheme.
The report claimed that the family members were granted subsidies worth around Rs 1.16 crore for cucumber cultivation projects. It also questioned the approval of these projects during Gangwar's tenure at the National Horticulture Board.
The investigation further alleged that subsidy approvals were linked to the senior IAS officer's family members.
The allegations also raised concerns over a possible conflict of interest, with questions being asked about the propriety of close relatives receiving agricultural subsidies intended to support farmers while the department was headed by a family member.
Gangwar denies wrongdoing
Gangwar has rejected the allegations, stating that no service rules were violated.
According to the report, he said his mother and son did not qualify as dependent family members under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules. He also maintained that details of his wife's assets had been disclosed in accordance with the prescribed rules.
Appointment amid key education reforms
Gangwar takes charge of the Department of Higher Education at a time when the Education Ministry is handling several significant challenges, including examination reforms, implementation of the National Education Policy and concerns over transparency in entrance examinations.
Following the announcement of his appointment, references to the earlier allegations resurfaced on social media, with several users sharing reports related to the subsidy issue.
However, no official findings have been made public establishing any violation by Gangwar, and the government has not issued a separate statement regarding the allegations.
