New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the redesignation of four officers from the 2012 batch of various central services to the post of Director, effective January 1, 2026. The officers are currently serving at the level of Deputy Secretary in different central ministries and departments.
Details of the Officers and Departments
The four officers whose posts have been upgraded include –
- Richa Verma (IAS: 2012: HP) – Department of Higher Education
- Garima Sharma (IRS-IT: 2012) – Department of Higher Education
- Padmakar Kushwaha (IA&AS: 2012) – Department of Atomic Energy
- Shalini Agnihotri (IPS: 2012: HP) – Department of School Education & Literacy
These officers will now hold the Director-level designation in their respective departments for periods ranging from 2029 to 2030, in line with their ongoing central deputation tenure.
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Central Deputation Details
Richa Verma (IAS: HP): Director, Department of Higher Education, tenure up to 24 November 2030; central deputation from 25 November 2025
Garima Sharma (IRS-IT): Director, Department of Higher Education, tenure up to 1 September 2029; central deputation from 2 September 2024
Padmakar Kushwaha (IA&AS): Director, Department of Atomic Energy, tenure up to 19 August 2029; central deputation from 20 August 2024
Shalini Agnihotri (IPS: HP): Director, Department of School Education & Literacy, tenure up to 23 July 2030; central deputation from 24 July 2025
Significance of the Redesignation
Redesignation from Deputy Secretary to Director is a major milestone in the career of central government officers. It reflects the government’s recognition of their experience, competence, and leadership abilities, enabling them to handle higher-level administrative responsibilities and policy implementation at the central level.
This move is also aimed at strengthening governance and decision-making in crucial departments such as education and atomic energy.
