New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Saurabh Shukla, an Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer of 2005 batch, currently serving as Director in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), as Joint Secretary in the PMO. His new tenure will last until October 19, 2026. This appointment comes alongside an extension of his existing role as Director in the PMO, which was granted on September 4, 2025, for one year beyond October 19, 2025.
Extension of Tenure Granted Amid Relaxation of Guidelines
On September 5, 2025, the ACC approved the extension of Mr Shukla’s deputation as Director in the PMO for an additional year. According to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), this extension extends his tenure from the original end date of October 19, 2025, to October 19, 2026. The extension was granted by relaxing the usual guidelines, reflecting the government’s trust in his expertise and leadership.
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Longstanding Service in the PMO
Mr Shukla has been a vital part of the PMO since August 30, 2019, when his appointment was initially approved by the DoPT. His first deputation was set to end on October 19, 2022, but prior to its expiry, he received a one-year extension. Since then, he has been granted multiple consecutive one-year extensions, marking this as his fourth such extension, underscoring his critical role in the office.
Previous Key Government Roles
Before joining the PMO, Mr Shukla served as Private Secretary to the then Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley, from July 2017 until Jaitley’s passing in August 2019. His performance in this pivotal role led to his transfer to the PMO, where he has since been entrusted with key responsibilities critical to government operations and decision-making.
Significance of Continuity in PMO Leadership
The government’s decision to extend Mr Shukla’s tenure and appoint him as Joint Secretary demonstrates the high regard for his administrative capabilities and the importance placed on continuity within the PMO. His presence ensures stability and consistent coordination in managing the complex affairs of the Prime Minister’s Office.
