New Delhi: The Central Government has extended the additional charge of Vivek Aggarwal (IAS:1994:MP), who is currently serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, to also function as the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism.
The extension was formalized through an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Additional Charge Extended by Three Days
The competent authority approved that Mr. Aggarwal will continue to hold the dual charge up to September 7, 2025, due to the extended leave of Ms. V. Vidyavathi (IAS:1991:KN), the regular Tourism Secretary.
Originally, Mr. Aggarwal was assigned the additional responsibility from August 11 to September 4, 2025. However, with Ms. Vidyavathi’s leave being extended by three more days, his interim tenure has also been correspondingly extended.
Background: Temporary Appointment for Administrative Continuity
Mr. Aggarwal’s dual role was first sanctioned to ensure uninterrupted administrative leadership in the Ministry of Tourism during Ms. Vidyavathi’s initial leave period. As a senior IAS officer with extensive experience, his temporary stewardship has allowed for continuity in governance and execution of key projects.
His continued oversight during the extended period is expected to further ensure smooth operations across both the Culture and Tourism ministries, which often collaborate on initiatives promoting India’s heritage and tourism sectors.
