New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a series of tenure extensions and continuation of additional charge involving four officers serving in key positions across the Centre.
The decisions, communicated through orders issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Saturday, September 19, 2026, cover the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Coal and Department of Science & Technology.
The officers include IAS officer Saumya Gupta, IOFS officer Vijay Mittal, Indian Forest Service officer Gopal Singh and IInspS officer Rohit Kumar.
Saumya Gupta’s Central Deputation Extended by 2 Years
IAS officer Saumya Gupta (IAS:2004:TR), presently serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, has received a two-year extension of her central deputation tenure.
The ACC approved the proposal of the Department of Higher Education to extend Gupta’s tenure for two years beyond November 28, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Gupta was appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education in November 2021 for an initial period of five years. Her tenure was scheduled to conclude on November 28, 2026.
With the latest ACC approval, she will continue in the department for a further two years, subject to the terms of the order.
Vijay Mittal’s Tenure in Heavy Industries Extended Till June 2027
Vijay Mittal (IOFS:1991), serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has been granted an extension of his central deputation tenure until June 30, 2027.
The ACC approved the proposal of the Ministry of Heavy Industries to extend his tenure from March 4, 2027, to June 30, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Mittal has been serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industries since March 4, 2022. He was initially appointed to the post for five years, with his tenure scheduled to end on March 4, 2027.
The latest decision extends his tenure by nearly four months beyond the original end date.
Gopal Singh to Continue Additional Charge of CMPFO
Indian Forest Service officer Gopal Singh (IFoS:2003:BH), Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, will continue to hold the additional charge of Commissioner (JS level) of the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO).
The ACC has approved the Ministry of Coal’s proposal to extend the entrustment of the additional charge for another six months with effect from August 17, 2026.
The arrangement will continue until the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Singh is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Coal while holding the additional responsibility of Commissioner at the JS level in CMPFO.
Rohit Kumar’s Tenure in Department of Science & Technology Extended
Rohit Kumar (IInspS:2009), serving as Director in the Department of Science & Technology, has also received a tenure extension.
According to the DoPT order, the ACC approved the proposal to extend his deputation tenure beyond October 21, 2026, and up to March 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Kumar will therefore continue as Director in the Department of Science & Technology until March 31, 2027, subject to the applicable terms of the extension.
Four Key Central Assignments Continue
The latest ACC decisions ensure continuity in four senior-level assignments across higher education, heavy industries, coal and science and technology.
While Saumya Gupta has received a two-year extension, Vijay Mittal’s tenure has been extended by nearly four months. Gopal Singh will continue with the additional responsibility of CMPFO Commissioner for six months, while Rohit Kumar’s deputation has been extended up to March 31, 2027.
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