New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of P. Shankar as the Private Secretary to Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog. The appointment, effective from June 1, 2025, was issued through an official memorandum by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
P. Shankar is a retired Senior Principal Private Secretary (Sr. PPS) from the Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service (CSSS) cadre. His appointment is on a contract basis, carrying the rank and pay equivalent to that of an Under Secretary (Level 11 in the Pay Matrix). The tenure of Shankar’s appointment will be co-terminus with Dr. V.K. Paul’s assignment or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
The decision follows a proposal from NITI Aayog dated September 20, 2024, underscoring the importance of strengthening the administrative support for Dr. Paul’s role in the government’s health and policy initiatives.
Significance of the Appointment
Dr. V.K. Paul is a distinguished pediatrician and physician-scientist who has been instrumental in shaping India’s health policies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and through flagship programs such as Ayushman Bharat and POSHAN Abhiyaan. As a member of NITI Aayog, Dr. Paul leads critical efforts aimed at enhancing health and nutrition outcomes across the country.
The role of Private Secretary is crucial in facilitating the smooth functioning of Dr. Paul’s office, coordinating between various government departments, stakeholders, and NITI Aayog’s broader policy initiatives. With P. Shankar’s extensive administrative experience in the Central Secretariat, his appointment is expected to bolster the efficiency and effectiveness of key health projects.
About NITI Aayog
Established in 2015, NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India. It plays a pivotal role in fostering cooperative federalism and formulating strategies for sustainable development and economic growth in the country.
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