New Delhi: The Government of India has approved the premature repatriation of Mr. Jeetesh Sharma, ITS (1998), who was serving as Director (Accounts & Finance) in the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) under the Department of Food & Public Distribution. In a related development, Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, IAS (UT: 1993) has been assigned the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Health Research.
The repatriation of Mr. Sharma, approved on personal grounds, includes an extended cooling-off period, ensuring he reports immediately to his parent cadre, while Ms. Srivastava will temporarily oversee key health research initiatives during the absence of the incumbent Secretary.
Jeetesh Sharma’s Repatriation Details and Official Orders
The repatriation of Mr. Jeetesh Sharma, ITS (1998) was sanctioned by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) on 26 February 2026. Mr. Sharma is to be relieved from duties at WDRA without delay. This decision follows the proposal of the Department of Food & Public Distribution, referenced in O.M. No. 04/2023-Stg.II-part (1) dated 16 January 2026.
The corresponding Office Memorandum (No. 9/5/2022-EO(MM-I)) was issued from Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, under the authority of Annie Kanmani Joy, Director. Copies of the memorandum were circulated to key government offices, including:
- Cabinet Secretariat (Ms. Kavita Singh, Joint Secretary)
- PS to MOS (PP) / PSO to Secretary (P)
- PPS to EO/Dir(SM)/US(CM)
- Panel Desk (MM-1)/Guard file
This administrative arrangement is part of routine procedures within the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and Indian Trade Services (ITS), ensuring smooth personnel transitions while maintaining governance continuity.
Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava Takes Additional Charge of Health Research
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved assigning additional charge of Secretary, Department of Health Research to Ms. Srivastava from February 28 to March 9, 2026. She will oversee operations during the leave period of Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research.
The ACC’s decision was formalized by its Secretariat under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. This temporary assignment ensures that critical health research initiatives continue seamlessly.
About Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava
Ms. Srivastava, an IAS officer of the 1993 UT cadre, has extensive experience in health administration and governance. Her contributions include:
- Policy formulation and implementation at the national level
- Leadership roles in the Department of Health and Family Welfare
- Oversight of public health reforms and key national programs
Her temporary charge of the Department of Health Research underscores her expertise and ensures smooth functioning of the health research administration during Dr. Bahl’s absence.
Administrative Continuity and Governance
Both decisions demonstrate the Government of India’s commitment to smooth administrative transitions and effective governance. While Mr. Sharma returns to his parent cadre with a structured cooling-off period, Ms. Srivastava’s temporary role ensures uninterrupted leadership in the Department of Health Research, a key body responsible for national health research and policy initiatives.
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