New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday approved a series of important appointments and tenure extensions involving senior officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), and Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Among the key decisions, the Centre extended the tenure of Alok Sharma (IPS: 1991: UP) as Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), entrusted Sushil Kumar Singh (IRSME: 1993) with additional charge of the New Mangalore Port Authority, and approved an extension in the foreign deputation of Debjani Chakrabarti (IAS: 2002: Odisha) in Japan.
Alok Sharma Gets 9-Month Extension as SPG Director
In a significant decision, the Centre has extended the tenure of Alok Sharma, Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), by nine months beyond his retirement date.
According to the notification, Sharma’s tenure has been extended from July 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
The extension has been granted by relaxing the provisions of Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(d) and the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
Heads Prime Minister’s Elite Security Force
Sharma currently heads the Special Protection Group (SPG), India’s elite security force responsible for the protection of the Prime Minister.
He was appointed as SPG Director on November 18, 2023. The organisation functions directly under the Cabinet Secretariat and is entrusted with one of the most sensitive security responsibilities in the country.
The extension reflects the Centre’s continued confidence in Sharma’s leadership and operational experience in managing the Prime Minister’s security apparatus.
Who is Alok Sharma?
Alok Sharma is a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and one of the most experienced police officers in the country.
Over his distinguished career, he has held several crucial positions in policing, intelligence, and national security. Prior to heading the SPG, he served in multiple senior assignments at both state and central levels and earned recognition for his professional competence and leadership in sensitive security operations.
His continuation as SPG Director ensures continuity in the management of the country’s highest-level VIP security framework.
Sushil Kumar Singh Gets Additional Charge of New Mangalore Port Authority
The ACC has also approved an additional responsibility for Sushil Kumar Singh (IRSME: 1993).
Currently serving as the Chairperson of Deendayal Port Authority, Singh has been entrusted with the additional charge of Chairperson (Joint Secretary level), New Mangalore Port Authority.
The assignment will be effective for a period of six months from June 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026.
The move is aimed at ensuring administrative continuity and smooth functioning at the New Mangalore Port Authority until a regular appointment is made.
Experienced Infrastructure Administrator
An officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), Singh has extensive experience in transport infrastructure, engineering management, and port administration.
As Chairperson of Deendayal Port Authority, he has been involved in overseeing one of India’s major maritime gateways, handling cargo operations, logistics development, and port modernization initiatives.
Debjani Chakrabarti’s Foreign Deputation in Tokyo Extended
In another important decision, the ACC approved the proposal of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) for extending the foreign deputation tenure of Debjani Chakrabarti (IAS: 2002: Odisha cadre).
Chakrabarti is currently serving as Minister (Economic & Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, Japan.
Her tenure has been extended by eight months beyond August 28, 2026, allowing her to continue in the position until April 28, 2027, or until a new incumbent assumes charge, whichever is earlier.
Strengthening India-Japan Economic Engagement
As Minister (Economic & Commerce), Chakrabarti plays a crucial role in advancing India-Japan economic cooperation, investment partnerships, trade promotion, and bilateral commercial engagement.
Her continued presence in Tokyo is expected to provide continuity to several ongoing economic initiatives between the two countries at a time when India and Japan are deepening cooperation in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, supply chains, and strategic investments.
Who is Debjani Chakrabarti?
Debjani Chakrabarti is a 2002-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre with extensive experience in public finance, economic administration, policy formulation, and international economic cooperation.
During her career, she has held various assignments in both the Odisha government and the Government of India before being deputed to Tokyo in a key diplomatic-economic role.
Her extension underscores the government’s confidence in her ability to strengthen India’s commercial and economic interests in Japan.
