New Delhi: In a series of significant bureaucratic decisions, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued multiple orders involving repatriation, additional charge, tenure extension and fresh appointments of senior civil servants across key departments and institutions.
The latest decisions include the premature repatriation of PS Thuingaleng from Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, the entrustment of additional charge of the Department of Science and Technology to Rajesh S. Gokhale, a two-year tenure extension for Deepika Lohia Aran at National Institute of Fashion Technology, and the appointment of Meetu Agarwal as Director in the Department of Defence Production.
PS Thuingaleng Repatriated from TRIFED to Avail Promotion Benefits
PS Thuingaleng, a 2008-batch Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre from his post as General Manager of TRIFED’s Assam-North East Region in Guwahati.
According to the DoPT order issued on May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs proposed his early return so that he can avail promotion benefits in his parent cadre.
Thuingaleng had taken charge in October 2025 for a five-year tenure but is returning well before completion of the term.
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Rajesh S. Gokhale Given Additional Charge of DST Secretary
The Centre has entrusted Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, with the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.
The arrangement takes effect following the relinquishment of charge by Abhay Karandikar and will continue until a regular appointment is made or further orders are issued.
Professor Abhay Karandikar had served as DST Secretary since October 2023. His tenure, which had already been extended by one year beyond July 1, 2025, has now concluded.
Deepika Lohia Aran Gets Two-Year Extension as CVO of NIFT
The tenure of Deepika Lohia Aran as Chief Vigilance Officer of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, has been extended by two years.
As per the DoPT order dated May 12, 2026, her tenure has been extended beyond September 21, 2026, up to September 21, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
She has been serving as CVO of NIFT since September 21, 2023.
Meetu Agarwal Appointed Director in Department of Defence Production
Meetu Agarwal, a 2010-batch IRS (Income Tax) officer, has been selected for appointment as Director in the Department of Defence Production, New Delhi.
The appointment is for a period of five years from the date she assumes charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Her selection follows a recommendation for central deputation by the Department of Revenue.
Strategic Significance of the Appointments
These decisions underscore the Centre’s continued efforts to strengthen leadership and oversight across key institutions dealing with science and technology, tribal development, defence production, vigilance and public administration.
The appointments also highlight the government’s focus on deploying experienced officers to critical positions while ensuring career progression opportunities within their parent cadres.
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