New Delhi: The Government of India has announced key administrative changes involving senior officers in major departments. Nidhi Chhibber, IAS (1994 batch, Chhattisgarh cadre), has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog, while Smriti Sharan, IPoS (1993 batch), serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development, has been prematurely repatriated to her parent cadre with an extended cooling-off condition.
Nidhi Chhibber Assumes Interim Charge of NITI Aayog
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the assignment of additional charge of CEO of NITI Aayog to Ms. Chhibber, effective 24th February 2026, following the completion of tenure of B.V.R. Subrahmanyam (Retd., 1987 batch, Chhattisgarh cadre).
- Current Position: Director General, Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog
- Tenure: Until appointment of a regular CEO or further orders
The notification, issued by Ms. Manisha Saxena, Secretary, ACC & Establishment Officer, was circulated to key authorities including the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretaries to the President and Vice President, and Chief Secretaries of all states.
Ms. Chhibber’s appointment ensures continuity in leadership at NITI Aayog, India’s premier policy think tank, which plays a vital role in formulating national development strategies, monitoring key government programs, and promoting cooperative federalism.
Read also: 10 Senior IPS Officers from Across India Set to Retire in February 2026 – Full List Inside
Smriti Sharan Prematurely Repatriated
In a separate administrative decision, the government approved the premature repatriation of Ms. Smriti Sharan, IPoS (1993 batch), currently Joint Secretary, Department of Rural Development, to her parent cadre, effective 31st March 2026.
- Condition: Extended cooling-off period imposed, preventing immediate reappointment to similar positions in the Government of India
- Reason: Personal grounds
Premature repatriation is an exceptional measure in the All India Services framework, typically considered under personal circumstances. The extended cooling-off condition ensures compliance with service rules and maintains administrative fairness and balance.
Significance of the Decisions
These appointments and transfers reflect the government’s focus on strong leadership, policy continuity, and adherence to established administrative procedures. While Ms. Chhibber’s interim charge secures NITI Aayog’s strategic leadership, Ms. Sharan’s repatriation balances personal considerations with service regulations, highlighting the government’s structured approach to senior-level administrative management.
