New Delhi: The Centre has extended the tenure of senior bureaucrat Tarun Kapoor, an IAS officer of 1987 batch, as Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) by another year, ensuring continuity in the government’s economic, infrastructure and energy policy initiatives.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of Kapoor’s tenure for a further period of one year beyond June 10, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
With the latest decision, Kapoor will continue serving as Advisor to the Prime Minister in the rank and scale of Secretary to the Government of India until June 10, 2027.
Extension Approved by ACC
The official order stated that the tenure of Tarun Kapoor (Retd IAS: 1987: HP) has been extended with effect from June 10, 2026.
Kapoor has been associated with the PMO since May 2022 and has emerged as one of the key policy advisors in the Prime Minister’s core team, particularly on issues related to infrastructure development, energy security, economic reforms and climate-related initiatives.
The extension is being viewed as a move aimed at maintaining policy continuity across several flagship government programmes and strategic projects.
Serving as PM’s Advisor Since 2022
Mr Kapoor was first appointed as Advisor to the Prime Minister on May 2, 2022, for a period of two years after retiring from active civil service.
As the second term of the BJP-led NDA government concluded, his tenure was briefly continued on a co-terminus basis with the Prime Minister’s tenure.
Following Prime Minister Modi’s return to office in 2024, Mr Kapoor was reappointed as Advisor to the Prime Minister for another two-year term beginning June 10, 2024.
The latest extension now allows him to continue in the PMO for an additional year, reinforcing his role within the government’s policy framework.
Distinguished Career Spanning More Than Three Decades
A 1987-batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Tarun Kapoor has served in several important positions at both the state and central levels during a career spanning more than 33 years.
In the Himachal Pradesh government, he held key administrative assignments including:
- District Magistrate of Chamba
- Additional Chief Secretary
- Head of multiple departments including Power, Environment & Forests, Public Works, Excise, and Food & Civil SuppliesLeadership roles in state-owned infrastructure and energy institutions
His administrative experience and policy expertise later led him to several influential positions in the Government of India.
Architect of India’s Renewable Energy Push
One of Kapoor’s most significant contributions came during his tenure in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
As Joint Secretary, he played a major role in shaping and implementing India’s ambitious National Solar Mission, helping lay the foundation for the country’s rapid expansion in renewable energy capacity.
His work is widely credited with accelerating India’s transition towards clean energy and strengthening its global standing in the renewable energy sector.
Key Roles in DDA and Petroleum Ministry
Before becoming a Union Secretary, Mr Kapoor served as Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), where he was involved in urban planning and infrastructure development initiatives.
He later took charge as Petroleum Secretary, one of the most important positions in the energy sector.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kapoor played a critical role in implementing several welfare and energy-related measures, including the government’s free LPG cylinder distribution programme for vulnerable households under relief initiatives.
He retired as Petroleum Secretary in November 2021.
Important Role in PMO
Since joining the Prime Minister’s Office, IAS Kapoor has been entrusted with overseeing and advising on several strategic sectors, including:
- Economic policy
- Infrastructure development
- Energy security
- Climate change and sustainability
- Public sector reforms
- National flagship projects
He has also been involved in reviewing major national initiatives and infrastructure projects, including refinery expansions, energy transition programmes and rural development schemes.
Why the Extension Matters
The extension comes at a time when the government is focusing heavily on infrastructure expansion, energy security, green growth and long-term economic reforms.
Policy observers view Kapoor’s continuation as a signal of stability and continuity within the Prime Minister’s policy advisory structure. His extensive experience in energy, infrastructure and governance is expected to remain valuable as the government advances its development agenda over the coming years.
With the fresh extension, Tarun Kapoor will continue to be among the most influential advisors in the Prime Minister’s Office, contributing to the formulation and monitoring of key national priorities.
