New Delhi: The Central Government has empanelled two senior officers of the Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS), belonging to the 2005 batch, for appointment to Joint Secretary or equivalent-level posts at the Centre.
The empanelment, announced on October 21, 2026, includes Mr Ankur Chandra and Mr Jamana Shanker Meena.
The decision makes both officers eligible for consideration for senior administrative positions in various Central Government ministries and departments, subject to applicable appointment procedures and vacancies.
Two IRSS Officers Empanelled for Joint Secretary-Level Posts
The two officers included in the latest empanelment are:
- Ankur Chandra – Indian Railway Stores Service, 2005 batch.
- Jamana Shanker Meena – Indian Railway Stores Service, 2005 batch.
Both officers have been empanelled to hold posts at the Joint Secretary level or equivalent in the Government of India.
Their specific ministries, departments or assignments have not been mentioned in the empanelment information.
Read also: Indian Railways Tightens Deputation Rules: Group C Staff Cannot Join State Governments, UT Bodies
What Does Joint Secretary-Level Empanelment Mean?
Empanelment is an important step in the Central Government’s process of selecting officers for senior administrative positions.
An officer empanelled at the Joint Secretary level becomes eligible for consideration for appointment to posts of that rank or equivalent in Central Government ministries, departments and other eligible establishments.
However, empanelment does not automatically mean an officer has been appointed as Joint Secretary. Actual appointments are made separately, depending on vacancies, administrative requirements and the applicable selection process.
Joint Secretaries play an important role in policy formulation, programme implementation, administrative coordination and the supervision of government divisions.
About the Indian Railway Stores Service
The Indian Railway Stores Service is a specialised service associated with the procurement, materials management, inventory control and supply-chain functions of Indian Railways.
IRSS officers have traditionally been responsible for ensuring the availability of materials and equipment required for railway operations, maintenance and infrastructure development.
Their work involves procurement planning, contract management, inventory management and coordination with various railway departments and production units.
Officers with experience in these functions can also be considered for administrative responsibilities at the Central Government level through the prescribed empanelment and appointment processes.
Central Deputation Opportunities for Railway Officers
The empanelment of Ankur Chandra and Jamana Shanker Meena adds two officers from the 2005 IRSS batch to the pool of personnel eligible for Joint Secretary-level assignments at the Centre.
Such empanelments enable the Central Government to consider officers from different organised services for senior positions based on their experience and suitability.
Further orders will be required to determine whether either officer receives a specific Joint Secretary-level posting and, if so, in which ministry or department.
