New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has approved the extension of additional charges held by two senior IAS officers—P. Hemalatha and Ajay Bhadoo—in key positions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
P. Hemalatha to Continue as Secretary, Spices Board for Three More Months
Senior IAS officer P. Hemalatha (IAS:2000:KN), currently serving as Development Commissioner, Cochin Special Economic Zone (SEZ), will continue to hold additional charge of Secretary (Joint Secretary level), Spices Board, for another three months.
According to the DoPT order issued on Thursday (November 6, 2025), her tenure has been extended from October 24, 2025, to January 23, 2026, or until a regular incumbent is appointed, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Ms. Hemalatha has been holding this additional responsibility since January 2025. Her charge as Secretary, Spices Board, has been extended twice before—first from October 24, 2024, to April 23, 2025, and then from April 24, 2025, to October 23, 2025. With no regular appointment made yet, the government has now granted another short-term extension.
Ajay Bhadoo to Continue as DGFT Until April 2026
Meanwhile, Ajay Bhadoo (IAS:1999:GJ), serving as Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, will continue to hold additional charge of Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for another six months.
As per the DoPT order, the extension is effective from October 21, 2025, to April 20, 2026, or until a regular incumbent is appointed, or until further orders.
Earlier, on August 22, 2025, Bhadoo was granted ex-post facto approval to hold the additional DGFT charge for the period April 21, 2025, to October 20, 2025. Since a regular appointment has yet to be made, his tenure has now been officially extended.
Key Positions Under Commerce Ministry Continue on Interim Basis
Both positions — Secretary, Spices Board and Director General, DGFT — play vital roles in India’s external trade framework. While the Spices Board promotes the export and quality of Indian spices, the DGFT oversees the implementation of the country’s foreign trade policy.
The extensions ensure administrative continuity within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry until regular appointments are finalised.
