New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a two-year extension of the central deputation tenure of Dr. Kajal (IAS: 2008, Uttar Pradesh cadre), who is currently serving as Director in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Her tenure, originally set to expire on April 12, 2026, has now been extended up to April 12, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Central Deputation Tenure Extension
Dr. Kajal has been on central deputation since April 13, 2021, and has been serving as Director at DPIIT since January 2023. The extension comes as a recognition of her significant contributions toward strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating internal trade policies.
The notification was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Monday, Feb 2, 2026, highlighting the ACC’s approval of the DPIIT’s proposal.
About Dr. Kajal
Dr. Kajal is a distinguished 2008-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, with a unique blend of medical expertise and administrative experience.
Educational Background:
- MBBS and MD degrees, providing her with specialized knowledge in healthcare policy and management.
Personal Background:
- Born on November 30, 1979, she is known for her modest leadership style and dedication to public service.
Administrative Career in Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Kajal’s career spans various significant administrative roles across Uttar Pradesh, including:
- Director, Local Bodies: Managed urban governance and municipal administration (2018–2021).
- Special Secretary, Basic Education: Led primary education initiatives for the state.
- Joint Magistrate and Chief Development Officer (Meerut): Early career roles focusing on development administration (2010–2011).
- District Magistrate & Collector, Mahoba (2012–2013): Initiated the process for Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Desawari Paan.
Health & Welfare Roles (Lucknow):
- Special Secretary, Medical, Health & Family Welfare Department
- Additional Mission Director, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
- Director, Women Welfare Department
Energy & Infrastructure:
- Managing Director, Purvanchal Electric Distribution Corporation (Varanasi)
- Director, New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (NEDA)
Central Deputation and Contributions
At DPIIT, Dr. Kajal has focused on:
- Strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem and internal trade policies.
- Promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating inclusive economic growth.
Participating in national forums like Yuva Mahotsav 2025, providing policy insights to emerging entrepreneurs and youth leaders.
Her tenure extension reflects her pivotal role in shaping India’s industrial and trade landscape and is seen as an inspiration for civil service aspirants, particularly those transitioning from specialized professional backgrounds such as medicine into administration.
Key Thematic Experiences
Medical Integration: Leveraged her medical background to lead health missions effectively.
- Rural to Urban Governance: Experience spans from grassroots development in Mahoba to urban administration in UP.
- Industrial Policy: At DPIIT, she plays a key role in designing and implementing industrial growth policies and trade facilitation measures.
Dr. Kajal’s leadership journey exemplifies the integration of specialized knowledge and administrative acumen, contributing significantly to both state-level governance and national policy initiatives.
