New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the re-designation of six Deputy Secretary-level officers to Director-level posts across various central ministries and departments, effective January 1, 2026.
This move recognizes the officers’ leadership contributions and extends their tenure under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Harleen Kaur Elevated to Director in MoRTH
IAS officer Kaur (AGMUT: 2012), currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), has been re-designated as Director, effective January 1, 2026.
Her tenure in the upgraded role will continue until August 21, 2030, reflecting a full five-year assignment under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Ms Kaur, born on September 25, 1984, holds a B.Tech in Information Technology from Punjab Technical University. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, she has also served as Special Secretary to the Lt. Governor, bringing her expertise in administration and governance to MoRTH.
The re-designation acknowledges her ongoing responsibilities and leadership in the ministry and was formalized through an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
Other Officers Re-designated to Director-Level Posts
Apart from Harleen Kaur, five other officers have received similar promotions as a measure personal to the incumbent:
Officer Cadre & Batch New Posting –
- Shinde Deepak Arjun, 2012 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre: Private Secretary to Minister of Road, Transport & Highways
- Yashu Rustagi, 2012 batch IAS officer of UP cadre: Director in Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT)
- Vikash Kumar IA&AS officer and 2012 batch: Director in Ministry of Defence
- Komaljit Meena, 2012 batch IRS officer: Director in Ministry of Defence
- Yuvraj Ravindra Patil, an IRTS officer of 2012 batch: Director in Lokpal under DoPT
All officers will assume their new responsibilities on or after January 1, 2026, and their respective ministries and administrative departments have been notified to ensure necessary action and record-keeping.
Significance of the Re-designations
The move forms part of the Central Staffing Scheme, which allows officers at the Deputy Secretary level to be promoted to Director positions as recognition for their performance and responsibilities. Such re-designations also aim to ensure continuity in leadership across key government ministries and departments.
About Harleen Kaur
- Current Role: Deputy Secretary, MoRTH
- Educational Qualification: B.Tech in Information Technology
- Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi
- Notable Experience: Special Secretary to Lt. Governor, New Delhi
About Yashu Rustagi
Yashu Rustagi is an IAS officer of the 2012 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She holds a B.E. in Computer Science from Pune University and currently serves as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (D.O.P.T.), Government of India, New Delhi. Born on 2nd July 1983, she is fluent in Hindi and English.
