New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued an order re-designating the post held by Amit Kumar (IAS: 2012: BH) from Deputy Secretary to Director level. Amit Kumar is currently serving as Private Secretary to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.
The re-designation will take effect from 1 January 2026, or from the date he assumes charge of the re-designated post, whichever is later. The tenure for the Director-level post will continue up to 20 August 2029, or co-terminus with the Minister, or until he ceases to function as Private Secretary, or until further orders—whichever occurs earlier. Amit Kumar began his central deputation on 21 August 2024.
Ajay Bartwal’s Post in Cabinet Secretariat Re-designated
Similarly, the Deputy Secretary post in the Cabinet Secretariat held by Ajay Bartwal (IRAS: 2012) has been upgraded to the Director level. The re-designation is valid until 21 February 2029, with his central deputation effective from 22 February 2024. This move is aimed at enhancing administrative responsibilities and aligning senior officials’ positions with their functional roles in key ministries.
Repatriation of Biswaranjan Sasmal
In another significant development, Biswaranjan Sasmal (IRS IT: 1993), currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, has been repatriated to his parent cadre on personal grounds. The DoPT order emphasizes that this repatriation follows his request and will be effective immediately.
Implications for Administrative Structure
These re-designations and repatriations reflect the ongoing administrative restructuring within the central government, ensuring senior officers are positioned in roles commensurate with their experience and functional responsibilities. The changes also indicate a streamlining of central deputation tenures to coincide with ministerial terms, enhancing coordination between officers and the ministries they serve.
