New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday approved extensions in the temporary upgradation of four senior-level posts in key ministries and departments of the Government of India. The move comes as part of ongoing administrative measures to maintain continuity in leadership across central government bodies.
Key Appointments and Extensions
Chairperson, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Officer: Rahul Singh (IAS: 1996: BH)
- Post Upgradation: Joint Secretary → Additional Secretary
- Extension Period: Until 25 March 2027
The temporary upgradation ensures continuity in leadership at one of India’s premier educational boards.
Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance
- Officer: Alok Pandey (IPoS: 1994)
- Post Upgradation: Joint Secretary → Additional Secretary
- Extension Period: Until 24 November 2026
The extension aims to maintain consistency in managing India’s investment and public asset portfolio.
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Officer: Sunil Kumar (IFoS: 1995: PB)
- Post Upgradation: Deputy Secretary/Director → Additional Secretary
- Extension Period: Until 08 January 2027
This move strengthens leadership in India’s scientific research and technology policy initiatives.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
- Officer: Hanif Qureshi (IPS: 1996: HY)
- Post Upgradation: Joint Secretary → Additional Secretary
- Extension Period: Until 07 January 2027
The extension supports ongoing industrial policy and administrative functions in the heavy industries sector.
Other Notable Decisions
Devesh Gupta (IRS C&CE: 2008), Director, Department of Commerce, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre to avail the benefit of promotion.
These extensions reflect the government’s focus on continuity in administration and ensuring senior-level leadership remains in place across strategic departments.
Importance of Extensions
The temporary upgradations from Joint Secretary/DS/Director to Additional Secretary level are a key administrative tool, allowing officers to handle higher responsibility, policy formulation, and decision-making authority. Such measures also ensure stability in departments critical to education, finance, science, and industry, supporting India’s broader governance and policy objectives.
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