New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday approved the promotion of two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of the AGMUT cadre to the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG), which is equivalent to the rank of Principal Secretary. The promotions will be effective from January 1, 2026, or from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later.
Officers Promoted to HAG Rank
According to the official order issued by the Ministry, the following officers have been promoted to HAG (Level-15 in the Pay Matrix) after the recommendations of the Screening Committee:
- Mandeep K. Bhandari (IAS:2001)
- Sanjeev Verma (IAS:2001)
Both officers are currently posted in the AGMUT cadre.
Proforma Promotion for Officers on Central Deputation
In addition to the regular promotions, the MHA has also granted proforma promotion to two AGMUT cadre IAS officers who are presently serving on central deputation:
- Lokhande Prashant Sitaram (IAS:2001)
- Ankita Mishra Bundela (IAS:2001)
Their promotions to the Higher Administrative Grade will take effect from January 1, 2026, on an actual basis, with effect from the date of assumption of charge of their immediate juniors in the cadre.
About the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG)
The Higher Administrative Grade corresponds to Level-15 of the Pay Matrix and is equivalent to the rank of Principal Secretary in state governments or Additional Secretary-level positions at the Centre. Officers at this level play a crucial role in policy formulation, administration, and governance.
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