New Delhi: In a significant administrative move, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), on the recommendation of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), has approved the extension of central deputation tenures for four senior bureaucrats serving as Directors in key ministries. These extensions, formalised via orders dated July 12, 2025, ensure continuity in leadership across Defence, Finance, Electronics, and Urban Affairs.
Sharmistha Maitra (IDES:2005) – Ministry of Defence
Ms. Sharmistha Maitra’s tenure as Director in the Ministry of Defence has been extended by two years, beyond August 31, 2025, up to August 31, 2027, or until further orders. Maitra, who joined the Defence Ministry on deputation on September 1, 2020, will now complete a seven-year stint at the Centre.
Shobhendra Bahadur (ITS:1994) – MeitY
Mr. Shobhendra Bahadur will continue as Director in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for one more year, up to August 31, 2026. He began his central deputation on August 31, 2020, and this extension will take his total tenure to six years.
Prateek Kumar Singh (IRAS:2006) – Department of Expenditure
Mr. Singh’s tenure as Director in the Department of Expenditure has been extended for two years beyond August 18, 2025, till August 18, 2027, or until further orders. He commenced his deputation on August 19, 2020.
Shalini Pandey (IDES:2004) – Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Ms. Shalini Pandey will serve as Director in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for an additional two years, extending her term till August 16, 2027. She began her central deputation on August 17, 2020.
These extensions reflect the government’s emphasis on administrative continuity and leveraging the expertise of experienced officers in high-impact roles across ministries.
