New Delhi: In a series of important administrative decisions, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday issued orders relating to extensions and fresh appointments involving senior civil servants across ministries and international institutions.
The notifications include a one-month extension for Esha Srivastava in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, appointment of Aryaka Akhoury as Deputy Secretary in DoPT, and a three-month extension for former IAS officer Parameswaran Iyer as Executive Director at the World Bank.
These decisions reflect continuity in strategic sectors such as energy administration, personnel management and international financial representation.
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Esha Srivastava Gets One-Month Extension as Joint Secretary in Petroleum Ministry
The central deputation tenure of Esha Srivastava, a 2004-batch Indian Forest Service officer, has been extended by one month as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
According to the DoPT order issued on March 18, 2026, the ACC approved the proposal of the Petroleum Ministry to extend her tenure beyond March 19, 2026 for one month or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Extension Beyond March 19, 2026
The latest order ensures that Srivastava will continue in the ministry beyond the expiry of her present tenure, maintaining continuity in policy and administrative work in one of the government’s most critical infrastructure ministries.
Her current extension is relatively short but significant, often indicating either an interim arrangement pending further posting decisions or continuation until a successor is finalized.
Serving as Joint Secretary Since January 2024
Srivastava has been serving as Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry since January 2024.
Before her formal appointment as Joint Secretary, she was functioning as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at Joint Secretary level in the same ministry.
This progression reflected the ministry’s continued confidence in her administrative handling of energy-sector responsibilities.
Long Association with Petroleum Ministry Since 2019
Her association with the ministry began in March 2019 when she joined at Director level for a three-year tenure.
Subsequently, after elevation to OSD at Joint Secretary level, her overall deputation tenure was extended to five years up to March 19, 2024.
Before that tenure concluded, she was granted another two-year extension till March 2026.
With the latest one-month extension, her central deputation now continues beyond seven years in the same ministry.
Administrative Significance of Continuity
Given the strategic nature of petroleum administration, continuity at senior levels often becomes important for policy implementation, inter-ministerial coordination and ongoing sectoral decisions involving fuel pricing, energy security and hydrocarbon planning.
Aryaka Akhoury Appointed Deputy Secretary in DoPT for Four Years
In another important order, IAS officer Aryaka Akhoury of Uttar Pradesh cadre has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training under the Central Staffing Scheme.
The appointment has been approved for a period of four years from the date she assumes charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Presently Serving in Uttar Pradesh Government
Before her central posting, Aryaka Akhoury was serving as Special Secretary in the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department of Uttar Pradesh.
Her move to DoPT places her directly within the central administrative machinery responsible for personnel policy, cadre management and civil services governance.
Importance of DoPT Posting
The Department of Personnel and Training plays a critical role in appointments, cadre allocation, deputation policy and overall administrative reforms.
A posting in DoPT is considered institutionally significant because officers working there contribute directly to shaping service administration across the country.
2013-Batch IAS Officer Moves Under Central Staffing Scheme
Aryaka Akhoury belongs to the 2013 batch of the IAS and is part of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Her appointment under the Central Staffing Scheme reflects her empanelment for central responsibilities and transition from state governance to Union-level administrative functions.
Parameswaran Iyer Gets Three-Month Extension as World Bank Executive Director
Former IAS officer Parameswaran Iyer has been granted a three-month extension as Executive Director at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC.
According to the DoPT order issued on March 18, 2026, the ACC approved extension of his tenure beyond March 19, 2026 till June 19, 2026.
Extension Till June 19, 2026
Iyer’s tenure was originally due to conclude on March 19, 2026.
With the latest order, he will continue for another three months representing India and neighbouring countries at the World Bank.
Appointed in 2023 for Three-Year Term
He was initially appointed to the post on February 21, 2023 for a period of three years and took charge on March 19, 2023.
The present extension ensures continuity in India’s representation during ongoing global financial engagements.
Former CEO of NITI Aayog
Before taking charge at the World Bank, Iyer served as CEO of NITI Aayog from 2022 to 2023.
His tenure there involved policy coordination and strategic development planning at the national level.
Widely Known for Swachh Bharat Mission Leadership
Parameswaran Iyer is nationally recognised for his leadership role in the rural sanitation component of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
He served as Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation between 2016 and 2020 and became one of the most visible bureaucratic faces associated with sanitation reform.
Earlier Worked with the World Bank
After taking voluntary retirement from IAS in 2009, Iyer worked with the World Bank before returning to government service in 2016.
This gave him rare experience combining multilateral institutional exposure and Indian public policy implementation.
Represents India and Neighbouring Countries
At present, he represents India and a group of neighbouring countries in the World Bank’s executive structure, a role that involves financial governance discussions, development policy coordination and strategic lending oversight.
