New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Thursday, September 25, 2025, approved the appointment of Dr. Manisha Verma (IIS: 1995 batch) as the Press Secretary to the President of India, Draupadi Murmu. The appointment is at the Joint Secretary level and falls under Level 14 of the pay matrix.
Dr. Verma’s appointment will be effective concurrently with the President’s term or until further orders, whichever is earlier. As Press Secretary, she will oversee all media and communication functions of the President’s office, playing a critical role in managing the highest constitutional office’s interface with the public and media.
Extensive Administrative and Public Health Experience
Before this appointment, Dr. Verma served as Additional Director General (ADG) in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Her background combines strong administrative expertise and communication skills, along with significant contributions to India’s public health sector. This diverse experience is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the President’s media outreach and public communication.
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Pawan Jeet Singh Appointed Deputy Secretary in DARE
IOFS officer assigned to Department of Agricultural Research & Education
In a related appointment, the ACC has approved the posting of Pawan Jeet Singh, an Indian Ordnance Factory Service (IOFS) officer of the 2012 batch, as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), Delhi.
Singh’s appointment is under the Central Staffing Scheme for a tenure of four years or until further orders. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has directed that he be relieved from his current duties in the Department of Defence Production to assume the new role immediately.
Strengthening Governance through Strategic Appointments
These appointments reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to place experienced officers in key roles across various departments to strengthen administration and improve governance. With Dr. Manisha Verma handling presidential communications and Pawan Jeet Singh supporting agricultural research administration, these postings are expected to bring focused leadership to their respective fields.
