New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the re-designation of two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers—Mangesh Ghildiyal (IAS: 2012: Uttarakhand) and Chandra Mohan Thakur (IAS: 2012: Madhya Pradesh)—as Directors in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The move will take effect from January 1, 2026, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday.
Both officers are currently serving as Deputy Secretaries in the PMO and will assume their upgraded roles to take on higher responsibilities in the administration and governance initiatives led by the PMO.
Mangesh Ghildiyal: From Physics Scholar to IAS Officer
Mangesh Ghildiyal, a 2012-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, has had a distinguished academic and professional journey. He holds a B.Sc. in Physics from PNG Govt. PG College, Ramnagar (Kumaun University), an M.Sc. in Physics from DSB Campus, Nainital, and an M.Tech. from Devi Ahilya University, Indore.
Ghildiyal secured All India Rank 4 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, reflecting his academic brilliance and determination. Opting for the Uttarakhand cadre, he has consistently focused on empowering underserved communities in the hilly regions through compassionate governance and evidence-based administrative initiatives.
Currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the PMO, Mangesh Ghildiyal will now take on the role of Director, contributing at a higher level to policymaking and execution of central government programs.
Chandra Mohan Thakur: IIT Graduate to PMO Leadership
Chandra Mohan Thakur, also from the 2012 batch, represents the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He holds a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur and brings strong analytical skills to his administrative career.
Thakur has been serving as Deputy Secretary in the PMO, handling key policy and governance matters. With this re-designation to Director, he is expected to play a larger role in coordinating and implementing central initiatives across various departments.
Significance of the Re-designation
The promotion of both officers to Director-level positions reflects the government’s focus on recognizing talent and experience within the IAS cadre. The move comes ahead of crucial administrative and policy initiatives in 2026, highlighting the role of senior officers in shaping governance and ensuring effective delivery of public services.
