New Delhi: In a major administrative reshuffle, senior IAS officer Sanjay Garg (IAS:1994:KL), currently serving as Additional Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), and Secretary, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
IAS Garg is set to assume charge as Director General (DG), BIS, in the rank and pay of Secretary, effective November 1, 2025, following the retirement of Pramod Kumar Tiwari (IAS:1991:AM) on October 31, 2025.
From ICAR to BIS: A Noteworthy Transition
IAS Garg has been serving as Secretary, ICAR, since August 24, 2021, and was recently granted a one-year extension on May 13, 2025, extending his central deputation till August 24, 2026. However, with his new role as OSD at BIS, Garg will transition into his new responsibilities ahead of the DG handover.
His appointment is viewed as a key move in ensuring continuity and leadership in the Bureau, which plays a pivotal role in standards formulation, certification, and quality control under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Additional Charge to Chandra Sekhar Kumar
In a separate development, IAS Sekhar (1992:OR), currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, has been entrusted with additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
According to an official order from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) dated August 22, 2025, the competent authority approved this interim arrangement during the leave period of Nikunja Bihari Dhal (IAS:1993:OR), who will be on leave from August 23 to August 31, 2025.
Seamless Administrative Continuity Ensured
These appointments reflect the government’s continued focus on maintaining administrative stability and ensuring seamless transitions in leadership roles across key departments. Both officials bring decades of experience and a track record of service in central and state governments, positioning them to navigate their new assignments effectively.
