By NSB.News
New Delhi, July 4: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a series of key appointments, tenure extensions and additional charge arrangements across the Government of India, covering the departments of science and technology, external affairs, rural development, vigilance and the Lokpal.
Among the major appointments, Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, President and Professor, Theoretical Sciences Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST). He will serve in the post up to the date of attaining the age of 60 years.
In the Ministry of External Affairs, the tenure of Vikram Misri (IFS: 1989) as Foreign Secretary has been extended by one year beyond July 14, 2026, and will now continue till July 14, 2027, ensuring continuity in India’s diplomatic leadership.
The ACC has also approved a one-year extension in the tenure of Amit Shukla (IFoS: 1999: Tripura) as Joint Secretary, Department of Rural Development, beyond June 1, 2026.
In another significant appointment, Sachin Mittal (IPoS: 2000) has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Lokpal, under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) for a five-year tenure.
The tenure of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi as Director General, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-cum-Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has also been extended beyond August 7, 2026, until February 28, 2027, the date of her superannuation.
Meanwhile, Pramod Kumar Choudhary (IRSS: 1998), currently serving as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL), Delhi, has been entrusted with the additional charge of CVO, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Delhi. He will hold the additional responsibility for six months from the date of assuming charge or until a regular CVO is appointed in BSNL, whichever is earlier.
The latest decisions reflect the government’s focus on ensuring continuity in leadership, strengthening institutional administration and filling key positions across strategic ministries and organisations.