New Delhi: In a fresh round of bureaucratic appointments and tenure extensions, the Centre on Tuesday issued a series of notifications approving key postings across ministries. The decisions, cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), include the appointment of Jatin Chopra as Private Secretary to the Social Justice Minister, Aman Mittal as Officer on Special Duty to the Commerce Minister, and a third extension for Mahendra Kumar in the Labour Ministry.
Jatin Chopra Appointed Private Secretary to Social Justice Minister
In a significant move, Jatin Chopra (IRTS:2011) has been appointed as Private Secretary to Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar.
He will assume charge at the Director level in the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. According to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), his appointment has been approved for a tenure of two years and eight months from the date of assumption of charge.
His tenure will remain co-terminus with the Minister, or until he ceases to function in the role, or until further orders—whichever is earlier.
Currently, Chopra is serving as:
- Director (Establishment–Sports), Railway Board
- Secretary, Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB)
Notably, he has prior experience in ministerial roles. In February 2022, during the second term of the Modi government, he served as Private Secretary to then Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. After the formation of the third term of the government in May 2026, he was posted to his current assignment before this latest appointment.
Mahendra Kumar Gets Third One-Year Extension in Labour Ministry
In another key decision, Mahendra Kumar (IRSEE:1999) has been granted a third one-year extension as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
As per the DoPT order, his tenure has been extended beyond May 22, 2026, till May 22, 2027, or until further orders.
Mahendra Kumar has had a long tenure in the ministry:
- Initially appointed as Director on May 22, 2019 for five years
- Tenure extended till May 2025
- Empanelled as Joint Secretary and elevated to the role on April 23, 2024
- Granted first JS-level extension on May 12, 2025
With the latest approval, he continues his extended stint in the ministry, reflecting administrative continuity in a key sector.
Aman Mittal Appointed OSD to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
The Centre has also appointed Aman Mittal (IRS-C&IT:2016) as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.
Mittal will be posted in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and will assume charge at the Deputy Secretary level.
His appointment has been approved for a tenure up to October 21, 2028, and will be:
- Co-terminus with the Minister, or
- Valid until he ceases to function as OSD, or
- Until further orders
Significance of the Appointments
These appointments reflect the Centre’s continued effort to strengthen administrative coordination at the ministerial level, ensuring experienced officers are placed in key advisory and executive roles.
While Jatin Chopra and Aman Mittal bring prior administrative and policy experience into politically significant ministries, Mahendra Kumar’s extension signals continuity in labour policy and governance, an area critical to India’s economic and social framework.
