New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, until his superannuation on January 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. This marks the second extension of his tenure.
According to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday, the extension will be effective from November 1, 2025.
Dr. Gokhale was originally appointed to the post on October 26, 2021, and assumed office on October 31, 2021, for an initial term of two years. Before the conclusion of that term in October 2023, he was granted a two-year extension till October 31, 2025. With this latest extension, Dr. Gokhale will continue in his leadership role until his retirement in January 2027.
Alok Mishra’s Additional Charge as DGFASLI DG Extended for Six Months
In a separate development, the ACC has also extended the additional charge of Alok Mishra, a 1998 batch IInfoS (Indian Information Service) officer and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as Director General of the Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institute (DGFASLI).
As per the DoPT order issued on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, the extension is valid for a further period of six months from August 6, 2025, or until the appointment of a regular incumbent, or until further orders – whichever occurs first.
Background
DGFASLI plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety, industrial hygiene, and regulatory compliance in factories across India.
Department of Biotechnology, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, spearheads the government’s initiatives in biotechnology innovation, research funding, and public-private collaborations.
