New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved two key personnel decisions, appointing retired IAS officers Anindya Mitra and Malay Ghosh as Technical Members (State) in the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), while also extending the central deputation tenure of Devendra Kumar (IRPS:2009) as Director in the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Mission, Cabinet Secretariat, by two years.
The decisions were notified by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) through separate orders issued on July 13, 2026.
Two Retired IAS Officers Appointed to GSTAT
The ACC has appointed Anindya Mitra and Malay Ghosh, both retired IAS officers of the West Bengal cadre, as Technical Members (State) in the GST Appellate Tribunal.
The appointments have been made against two Technical Member (State) vacancies for the West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Benches of the GSTAT located in Kolkata.
Anindya Mitra joined the Indian Administrative Service through the Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) stream and served in various administrative positions before retirement. Malay Ghosh is also a retired IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre with extensive experience in state administration.
The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) serves as the appellate authority for disputes arising under the GST regime and hears appeals against orders passed by GST authorities.
Devendra Kumar Gets Two-Year Extension
In another significant decision, the ACC approved a two-year extension in the deputation tenure of Devendra Kumar (IRPS:2009) as Director in the DBT Mission, Cabinet Secretariat.
According to the DoPT order, his tenure has been extended beyond August 25, 2026, up to August 25, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Devendra Kumar has been serving in the DBT Mission since August 25, 2021. He initially joined the organisation as Deputy Secretary on central deputation and was later redesignated as Director.
The DBT Mission plays a crucial role in implementing the Government of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)programme, which facilitates the direct transfer of subsidies and welfare benefits into beneficiaries’ bank accounts to enhance transparency, improve efficiency and reduce leakages in public expenditure.
The latest ACC decisions strengthen both the GST dispute resolution mechanism through experienced appointments and ensure continuity in the implementation of the Centre’s flagship Direct Benefit Transfer programme.
Read also: MHA Orders AIIMS Evaluation of 3 AGMUT IPS Officers on Prolonged Medical Leave
