New Delhi/Kolkata: In a significant bureaucratic development, the West Bengal Government has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to around half a dozen IAS officers, clearing the way for their consideration for central deputation.
The issuance of NOCs is a mandatory prerequisite for IAS officers seeking central assignments. Following the state’s approval, the officers will now be eligible to be considered by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for postings in various ministries, departments and organisations under the Government of India.
Central deputation allows officers to serve in key policymaking and administrative positions at the Union Government level, bringing their state-level governance experience to national assignments.
Further details regarding the officers’ names and prospective postings are expected after the Centre completes the deputation process.
IRSME Officer Smruti Ranjan Sethy Repatriated for Promotion
In another personnel-related decision, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has approved the premature repatriation of Smruti Ranjan Sethy (IRSME:1994) from his current post as Director (Joint Secretary level), Inspection & Quality Control in the Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) under the Department of Commerce.
According to an order issued on August 3, 2026, the competent authority approved the proposal of the Department of Commerce to curtail Sethy’s central deputation, enabling him to avail the benefits of promotion in his parent cadre.
Sethy’s appointment as Director (JS level) in the Export Inspection Council of India had been notified on December 31, 2025, with a tenure extending until his superannuation on June 30, 2029. However, the tenure has now been cut short to facilitate his career progression in the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME).
The decision reflects the government’s practice of allowing officers on central deputation to return to their parent cadres when they become eligible for important promotional opportunities.
