New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved two significant appointments in the Ministry of Culture. Karnataka cadre IAS officer Priyanka Mary Francis has been appointed as Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bengaluru, while Priyanka Chandra, a 2006-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer serving as Director in the Ministry of Culture, has been granted a two-year extension in her central deputation tenure.
The decisions were notified by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Friday.
Priyanka Mary Francis Appointed Director, NGMA Bengaluru
According to the official notification, the ACC has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Culture for the appointment of Priyanka Mary Francis (IAS:2009) as Director, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bengaluru at the Joint Secretary level.
She will assume charge from the date of joining the post and will serve for an overall tenure of five years up to June 9, 2029, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
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To facilitate her appointment, the post held by the officer has been temporarily upgraded from Director level to Joint Secretary level for an initial period of two years, as a measure personal to her.
Who is IAS Priyanka Mary Francis?
Priyanka Mary Francis is a 2009-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belonging to the Karnataka cadre.
Born on March 13, 1984, she holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree from Kerala University.
A versatile administrator, she has held several important assignments in the Karnataka government during her civil service career, including:
- Assistant Commissioner
- Chief Executive Officer
- Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate
- Commissioner
- Managing Director
- Director
She has been serving as Director at the National Gallery of Modern Art under the Ministry of Culture since January 7, 2025 and is proficient in English, Malayalam and Kannada.
Her latest appointment elevates the position to the Joint Secretary level, reflecting the importance attached to the role.
Priyanka Chandra Gets Two-Year Extension
In a separate order, the ACC approved the proposal of the Ministry of Culture to extend the central deputation tenure of Priyanka Chandra (IDAS:2006).
Her deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme has been extended by two years beyond October 3, 2026, and will now continue up to October 3, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Priyanka Chandra has been serving on central deputation in the Ministry of Culture since October 4, 2021.
Who is Priyanka Chandra?
Priyanka Chandra is a 2006-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer and a senior bureaucrat with extensive experience in financial administration and public sector management.
Born on July 3, 1981, she officially joined the civil services on August 29, 2006, after being allocated to the 2006 IDAS batch. She currently holds the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG).
During her career in the Ministry of Defence, she handled critical responsibilities related to financial management, accounting, budgeting and internal audits for the Indian Armed Forces and allied defence organisations.
Recognising her administrative capabilities, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) appointed her as Director in the Ministry of Culture on September 17, 2021, following which she assumed charge on October 4, 2021 under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Key Responsibilities in the Ministry of Culture
As Director in the Ministry of Culture, Priyanka Chandra has been overseeing important functions related to:
- Administrative policy implementation
- Financial planning and budget management
- Allocation of funds for cultural programmes
- Preservation and promotion of India’s art, heritage and cultural diversity
- Implementation of various national cultural schemes
With the latest approval, she will continue in the Ministry of Culture until October 3, 2028, ensuring continuity in key administrative and financial initiatives.
Strengthening Leadership in the Ministry of Culture
The two ACC decisions are expected to strengthen the leadership structure within the Ministry of Culture.
While Priyanka Mary Francis will lead the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bengaluru, with enhanced responsibilities at the Joint Secretary level, Priyanka Chandra will continue to oversee key administrative and financial functions in the Ministry for another two years under the Central Staffing Scheme.
