A Asholi Chalai (CSS) will continue to serve as Joint Secretary of the National Commission for Women (NCW) as the central deputation tenure has been extended. The Department of Personnel and Training issued an order on Saturday (25.11.2023) announcing the approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet to extend Mr. Chalai’s deputation tenure. The extension is granted beyond the initial expiration date of 25.11.2023, allowing him to serve until his superannuation on 28.02.2025, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
Shailesh Kumar gets extension as Director, D/o Rural Development
Shailesh Kumar (ISS:2008) will continue in his role as Director of the Department of Rural Development for an additional two years, as announced in an order by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Saturday (25.11.2023). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has given its approval for the extension, allowing Mr. Kumar to serve until February 18, 2026, or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier, beyond the initial deputation tenure set to expire on February 18, 2023.
Centre extends upgradation of key administrative positions
In a significant development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has given its nod for the extension in the temporary upgradation of various key administrative posts. The decision, aimed at ensuring continuity and efficiency in governance, covers a range of crucial portfolios. The following extensions have been approved:
- Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India: The post, presently held by Sanjay Bandopadhyay (IAS:1988:MP) has been upgraded from the level of Additional Secretary to that of Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This upgradation is effective until August 31, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change: Tanmay Kumar (IAS:1993:RJ) will continue to hold the position at the upgraded level until December 3, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism: Rakesh Kumar Verma (IAS:1993:PB) has received an extension in the upgradation of the post until December 5, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal: Nagaraju Maddirala (IAS:1993:TR) will continue in the upgraded role until November 2, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare: Roli Singh (IAS:1994:RJ) has been granted an extension until December 26, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat: Ashutosh Jindal (IAS:1995:TR) will hold the upgraded position until February 16, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure: Sajjan Singh Yadav (IAS:1995:AGMUT) has received an extension until December 5, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Ms. R. Jaya (IAS:1995:TN) will continue in the upgraded role until December 5, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying: Ms. Varsha Joshi (IAS:1995:AGMUT) has been granted an extension until December 5, 2024.
- Joint Secretary to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs: Ms. D. Thara (IAS:1995:GJ) will hold the upgraded position until December 5, 2024.
Supreme Court proposes structured approach for Delhi Chief Secretary appointment amidst Centre-Delhi govt. tussle
The Supreme Court on Friday proposed that the central government submit a list of officials for the position of Delhi’s chief secretary, allowing the state government to make the final selection. The court’s directive stemmed from a petition filed by the Delhi government on November 7, challenging the unilateral decision-making process of the Centre in appointing Delhi’s chief secretary, emphasizing the need for confidence in the elected state government.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, heading the bench, emphasized the importance of a functional government process, stating, “We must foster a degree of confidence in the elected arm of the state.” The Centre committed to providing the names of officials on the following Tuesday when the petition is scheduled for a hearing.
The plea by the Delhi government referenced Rule 7(2) of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, asserting that appointments to cadre posts in a state cadre should be made by the state government. Additionally, it cited the Supreme Court’s May order, which granted the services department to the Delhi government. The petition argued that the 2023 Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) (Amendment) Act contradicted the court’s decision, reducing the Delhi government to a “mere observer” in the chief secretary’s appointment.
The bench, consisting of Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, proposed a solution, urging the Centre to suggest a panel of the best, senior-most officers. The suggested names could be shared with the Delhi government before the hearing, allowing a decision to be reached in court. The bench emphasized the need for a structured approach, suggesting that the Centre propose a panel from which the Delhi government can make the final choice.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, acknowledged the court’s suggestion, stating that the chief secretary’s appointment process was already underway. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government, proposed that the Centre recommend a set of five best officers, similar to the practice before the Ordinance.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the LG, cautioned against disclosing names publicly and emphasized the need to respect the officers’ dignity. The bench agreed, highlighting the importance of not engaging in mudslinging against officers and safeguarding their careers.
Singhvi refuted allegations against the officials, emphasizing that they do not heed to him. Regarding a defamatory article about Chief Secretary Kumar, Singhvi clarified that it was unrelated to the Delhi government.
Robert Shetkintong appointed as next High Commissioner of India to Mozambique
Senior diplomat Robert Shetkintong (IFS:2001), currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Mozambique, as per an official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday. Mr. Shetkintong is anticipated to assume his new role shortly.
Saurabh Kumar appointed as next Ambassador of India to Belgium
Senior diplomat Saurabh Kumar (IFS:1989) has been designated as India’s Ambassador to Belgium, with additional accreditation as Ambassador of India to the European Union. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Friday confirming this appointment. Currently serving as the Secretary in the MEA, Saurabh Kumar is anticipated to assume his new responsibilities in the near future.
Ankita Chakravarty appointed as Deputy Secretary, MHA
Ankita Chakravarty (IAS:2013:AGMUT), recommended for central deputation by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in MHA, Delhi, for a tenure of four years. As per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Friday (24.11.2023), the central government has given its approval for Ms. Chakravarty’s appointment under the central staffing scheme. Her term will span four years from the date of assuming the post or until further orders, whichever takes place earlier.
Mayank Mishra appointed as Director, MHA
Mayank Mishra (IRS-IT: 2009), recommended for central deputation by the Department of Revenue, has been chosen to serve as Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Delhi, for a duration of five years. As per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Friday (24.11.2023), the central government has granted its approval for Mr. Mishra’s appointment under the central staffing scheme. His term will encompass five years from the date of assuming the post or until further orders, whichever takes place earlier.
Pradeep Kumar Pal appointed as Director, UPSC
Pradeep Kumar Pal (IRSSE:2009), proposed for central deputation by the Ministry of Railways, has been appointed as Director in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Delhi, for a five-year term. As outlined in an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Friday (24.11.2023), the central government has given its approval for Mr. Pal’s appointment under the central staffing scheme. His tenure will span five years from the date of assuming the post or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier.
Monica Thind appointed as Director, M/o Statistics & Programme Implementation
Monica Thind (IES:2008), recommended for central deputation by the Department of Economic Affairs, has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Delhi, for a tenure of five years. As per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Friday (24.11.2023), the central government has granted approval for Ms. Thind’s appointment under the central staffing scheme. Her term will extend for five years from the date of assuming the post or until further orders, whichever transpires earlier.
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