NEW DELHI: In a series of significant administrative decisions, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved multiple appointments, deputations, tenure curtailments, and extensions involving senior officers across various ministries and departments.
These decisions span key sectors including pharmaceuticals, revenue, defence, skill development, atomic energy, culture, and social justice, reflecting the Centre’s continued focus on administrative efficiency and leadership continuity.
Santanu Kumar Agrahari Appointed Director in NPPA
IAS officer Santanu Kumar Agrahari (IAS:2012:JH) has been appointed as Director in the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
Currently serving as Private Secretary to Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Railways V. Somanna, his appointment was approved by the ACC as per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on April 8, 2026.
He will serve in the new role up to November 28, 2026, or until further orders. To facilitate this appointment, his current tenure as Private Secretary has been curtailed.
Sunish S Appointed Director in Department of Revenue
Sunish S (IDAS:2010) has been appointed as Director in the Department of Revenue under central deputation till January 10, 2028.
Currently working as Internal Financial Advisor (IFA) in the President’s Secretariat, his appointment follows ACC approval based on Civil Services Board recommendations.
Notably, Sunish S joined central deputation in January 2021 as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and later moved to the President’s Secretariat as IFA in January 2023.
Sunil Kumar Sharma Appointed in CAT, Principal Bench
Sunil Kumar Sharma (IA&AS:2015) has been appointed as Chief Accounts Officer (Deputy Secretary level) in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Principal Bench, Delhi.
His appointment, approved by the ACC on April 9, 2026, will be for a period of four years or until further orders. He was recommended for central deputation by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty Gets One-Year Extension
The tenure of Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), has been extended by one year till April 11, 2027.
This marks his second extension, after an earlier six-month extension granted in October 2025. A distinguished nuclear physicist, Dr Mohanty previously served as Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and has contributed significantly to India’s nuclear research and reactor technologies.
Rahul Pachori Appointed OSD to Minister Jayant Chaudhary
Rahul Pachori (IRSEE:2010) has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, at the Director level.
His tenure will run up to January 14, 2028, on a co-terminus basis with the Minister. His current role as Director in the Department of School Education & Literacy has been curtailed to enable the new assignment.
Vishvajit Sahay Appointed Secretary (Defence Finance)
Senior bureaucrat Vishvajit Sahay (IDAS:1990) has been appointed as Secretary (Defence Finance).
Currently serving as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), he will succeed Raj Kumar Arora (IDAS:1990), who is set to retire on April 30, 2026.
An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, Sahay has held several key positions including Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Department of Science and Technology, and Joint Secretary in the Department of Heavy Industry.
Anil Kumar’s Additional Charge Extended
Anil Kumar will continue to hold the additional charge of CMD (JS level), National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) for another six months.
The extension, effective from March 12, 2026 to September 11, 2026, comes alongside his primary role as Chief General Manager, NDFDC.
Tenure Extensions Approved for Senior Officers
Lily Pandeya
- Lily Pandeya (IRPS:1998), Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, has received a two-year extension beyond May 31, 2026.
Bishnu Charan Mallick
- Bishnu Charan Mallick (IAS:2007:RJ), Director of Census Operations/Director of Citizen Registration, Rajasthan, has had his tenure extended till April 30, 2027.
- He has been serving since December 2020, with multiple extensions granted over time.
Mithlesh Promoted to Additional Chief Adviser (Cost)
Ms Mithlesh (ICoAS:1997) has been empanelled and promoted to the grade of Additional Chief Adviser (Cost) in Level 16 of the Pay Matrix for the panel year 2026.
Her promotion will be effective from the date of assumption of charge and will remain in force until further orders.
Strengthen Policy Execution
The latest set of ACC decisions reflects a mix of fresh appointments, strategic postings, tenure extensions, and promotions, ensuring both continuity and leadership renewal across critical sectors of governance. From economic and defence roles to cultural and administrative institutions, these changes are expected to strengthen policy execution and institutional functioning at the highest levels.
