New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the continuation of senior IAS officer Manoj Joshi as the officer holding the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, until July 13, 2026, during the leave of incumbent Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Monday, Manoj Joshi (IAS:1989:Kerala), who is currently serving as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, will continue to discharge the additional responsibilities of the Department of Fertilisers with immediate effect until July 13, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Extension of Additional Charge
Joshi was initially entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Fertilisers on June 15, 2026, during the leave of Rajat Kumar Mishra (IAS:1992:Rajasthan). The earlier arrangement was valid till June 28, 2026.
With the latest ACC approval, the arrangement has now been extended by another two weeks, ensuring continuity in the functioning of the Department of Fertilisers during Mishra’s absence.
About Manoj Joshi
Manoj Joshi is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and currently serves as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, a position he assumed on November 20, 2025.
Born on January 13, 1967, in Rajasthan, Joshi is an engineering graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering). He also holds a Certificate in Financial Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management.
Over a distinguished administrative career spanning more than three decades, he has held several key assignments at both the Centre and in the Kerala government. His notable positions include Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Officer on Special Duty, Special Secretary, Principal Secretary, Joint Secretary, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Managing Director, District Collector, Director, Deputy Secretary, and General Manager.
In Kerala, he also served as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and chaired major public sector enterprises, including The Travancore Cochin Chemicals Ltd., contributing significantly to industrial development and public administration.
The continuation of his additional charge ensures uninterrupted leadership in the Department of Fertilisers while the regular Secretary remains on leave.
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