New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has approved the premature repatriation of three senior officers from central deputations to their parent cadres. Among them are CBI DIG Lovely Katiyar (IPS: 2008: RJ), IFoS officer Deepak Mishra (1996: KL), and IRS officer Swapna Devireddy (IRS-IT: 2010).
These repatriations, approved through separate DoPT orders in March 2026, reflect a combination of administrative, promotional, and personal reasons.
1. CBI DIG Lovely Katiyar Repatriated to Rajasthan Cadre
Lovely Katiyar (IPS: 2008: RJ), who has been serving as DIG in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has been prematurely repatriated to her parent cadre Rajasthan.
• Katiyar joined the CBI on 14 July 2021 as Superintendent of Police (SP).
• Her tenure in CBI was initially for four years but was extended to five years in June 2022 after her appointment as DIG, scheduled to end on 14 July 2026.
• With the latest order issued on 6 March 2026, she will return to Rajasthan after serving nearly five years in CBI.
2. IFoS Officer Deepak Mishra Repatriated to Kerala Cadre
Deepak Mishra (IFoS: 1996: KL), currently Joint Secretary in the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre Kerala.
• His tenure at the Centre began in October 2022 and was initially for five years, ending in October 2027.
• The repatriation, approved on 10 March 2026, is aimed at enabling him to avail the benefit of promotion in his cadre.
3. IRS Officer Swapna Devireddy Returns to Parent Cadre
Swapna Devireddy (IRS-IT: 2010), currently serving as Director in the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, has been repatriated to her parent cadre on personal grounds.
• She joined the department as Deputy Secretary in February 2023 and was later promoted to Director.
• Her tenure was scheduled to end in February 2027, but the DoPT approved her repatriation on 9 March 2026, nearly a year ahead, with extended cooling-off provisions.
Significance of the Repatriations
• These repatriations highlight the flexibility in central deputation policies, balancing career progression, personal requirements, and administrative needs.
• Lovely Katiyar’s return strengthens Rajasthan cadre policing leadership.
• Deepak Mishra will benefit from promotion opportunities in his home cadre.
• Swapna Devireddy’s return respects personal grounds and administrative protocol while maintaining service continuity.
