New Delhi: Senior IAS officer N Saravana Kumar, currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), has been assigned the additional charge of Member Secretary of the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). The appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
ACC Approval and Tenure of Additional Charge
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Monday, December 23, 2025, the ACC has cleared the assignment of additional charge to Kumar. He will hold the post until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders are issued, whichever is earlier.
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Vacancy After Repatriation of Archana Agrawal
The post of Member Secretary, NCRPB, fell vacant following the repatriation of senior IAS officer Archana Agrawal (IAS:1990:UP) to her parent cadre, Uttar Pradesh, on October 16, 2025. Agrawal had been serving in the role since April 2019. With the position remaining unfilled after her departure, the Centre has made a temporary arrangement by entrusting the responsibility to Kumar.
Current Role at DDA
N Saravana Kumar (IAS:2000:BH) is presently the Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority, one of the key urban planning and development bodies in the national capital. His additional charge at NCRPB is expected to ensure continuity in policy coordination and regional planning for the National Capital Region.
Academic Background and Professional Expertise
Dr. Kumar is an accomplished professional with a strong academic foundation in veterinary sciences. He holds a Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Animal Husbandry and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.), both with First Class distinction. His academic training has complemented his administrative career across diverse sectors.
Extensive Administrative Experience
Since joining the Indian Administrative Service, Dr. Kumar has served in a wide range of roles across rural and urban governance. His experience spans key portfolios such as agriculture, education, consumer protection, food, and animal husbandry, reflecting his versatility as an administrator.
In Bihar, he has held several important positions, including:
- Principal Secretary, Food & Consumer Protection Department
- Secretary, Agriculture Department
- Principal Secretary, Sugarcane (Ganna) Department
- Director, Animal Husbandry Department
National-Level Assignments
At the Centre, Dr. Kumar has served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Higher Education). He has also worked as Private Secretary to the Union Minister in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, gaining exposure to policy-making at the highest levels.
District Administration Experience
Dr. Kumar has extensive grassroots administrative experience, having served as District Magistrate and Collector in multiple districts of Bihar, including Purnia, Samastipur, Supaul, Sheikhpura, Jamui, and Nalanda. These assignments provided him with hands-on experience in district governance, revenue administration, and public service delivery.
Interim Arrangement to Ensure Continuity
With his additional charge as Member Secretary, NCRPB, Dr. Kumar is expected to oversee ongoing planning and coordination efforts in the National Capital Region until a permanent appointment is made, ensuring that the board’s functioning remains uninterrupted.
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