New Delhi: In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointments of two IAS officers – Ira Singhal and Ramesh Verma – to key posts under the Central Staffing Scheme, as per official orders issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
Ira Singhal Appointed Deputy Secretary in Education Ministry
Ms Singhal, a 2015-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy, which falls under the Ministry of Education.
Her appointment is on Central Deputation for a tenure of four years from the date of assumption of charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. She was recommended for the role by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the order has directed her current department to relieve her so she can take up her new assignment in New Delhi.
Ramesh Verma Appointed Director in Department of Youth Affairs
Similarly, the ACC has also approved the appointment of Mr Verma, a 2009-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, as Director in the Department of Youth Affairs (My Bharat Division).
As per the DoPT order, Mr Verma will serve a five-year tenure from the date of assumption of charge or until further notice. His appointment, too, was recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He is to be relieved of his current duties to assume the new role in New Delhi.
Profile: Ira Singhal – Champion for Inclusivity in Governance
IAS Singhal is widely known for her historic achievement of securing the All India Rank 1 in the 2014 UPSC Civil Services Examination, becoming the first differently-abled woman to top the prestigious exam.
Despite facing initial rejection from the service in 2010 and 2011 due to her 62% locomotor disability (caused by scoliosis), she fought a legal battle and won a landmark case in the Central Administrative Tribunal, which ordered her inclusion into the civil services.
Educational & Professional Background
- Engineering graduate with an MBA
- Worked at Cadbury India as a Strategy Manager before entering civil services
- Inspired by a strong desire to serve the country, she quit the corporate sector to pursue the UPSC dream
Ms Singhal is also a noted advocate for disability rights, promoting accessibility and inclusion in Indian public policy.
Profile: Ramesh Verma – From DSSSB to Youth Affairs
IAS Verma has had an extensive administrative career in the Delhi Government and Union services, holding multiple crucial positions. A 2009-batch IAS officer, he has served as:
- Chairman, Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB)
- Chief Electoral Officer, Election Commission of India
Born on September 30, 1976, IAS Verma holds a B.Sc. in Physics and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer. A Hindi speaker with extensive experience in policy implementation and electoral governance, he brings seasoned administrative insight to the My Bharat Division, which focuses on youth empowerment and national engagement.
