New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a series of significant appointments and tenure-related decisions involving senior officers across the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Education and Lokpal, including the appointment of Lokhande Prashant Sitaram, IAS, as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the premature repatriation of Purnendu Kishore Banerjee, ISS, and a one-year extension for Pradip Kumar Tripathi, IAS (Retd.), as Secretary to the Lokpal.
The decisions were notified on Thursday as part of the Centre’s ongoing administrative reshuffle at the senior level.
Lokhande Prashant Sitaram Appointed Additional Secretary, MHA
The ACC has approved the appointment of Lokhande Prashant Sitaram (IAS: AGMUT: 2001), currently serving as Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) under the Ministry of Education, as Additional Secretary, Department of Home, Ministry of Home Affairs.
He will also continue to hold the additional charge of Chairperson, CBSE, until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The arrangement is aimed at ensuring continuity in the functioning of the CBSE while he assumes his new responsibilities in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Purnendu Kishore Banerjee Repatriated to Parent Cadre
In another decision, the Competent Authority approved the proposal of the Department of Higher Education for the premature repatriation of Purnendu Kishore Banerjee (ISS: 1993), who has been serving as Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education.
According to the official order, Banerjee has been repatriated to his parent cadre on personal grounds.
The decision follows a proposal submitted by the Department of Higher Education through its Office Memorandum dated June 19, 2026.
Pradip Kumar Tripathi Gets One-Year Extension as Lokpal Secretary
The ACC has also approved an extension in the tenure of Pradip Kumar Tripathi (IAS: AGMUT: 1987, Retd.), who is serving as Secretary to the Lokpal on a contractual basis.
His tenure has been extended by one year beyond June 30, 2026, up to June 30, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The extension will be governed by the usual terms and conditions applicable to re-employed Central Government officers.
Tripathi has been serving as Secretary to the Lokpal after his retirement from the Indian Administrative Service and continues to oversee the administrative functioning of the anti-corruption ombudsman.
The latest appointments and tenure decisions reflect the Centre’s continuing efforts to strengthen leadership across key ministries and institutions while ensuring administrative continuity in important governance positions.
