Government of India Extends Central Deputation Tenures for Key Officers

New Delhi, 17 February 2026: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved multiple extensions and relaxations in central deputation tenures for senior officers across Ministries and Departments. These decisions aim to ensure continuity in governance, policy execution, and specialized project oversight.

Key Approvals and Extensions

Shri Nirmod Kumar, IRSSE (2006) – Director, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
- Tenure extended by 2 years beyond 22 February 2026, up to 22 February 2028.
- On central deputation since 23 February 2021.
Shri Prabhat Kumar, IAS (JH:2011) – Director of Census Operations/Director of Citizen Registration, Jharkhand
- Tenure extended beyond 31 March 2026, up to 09 October 2027.
- On central deputation since 10 October 2022.
Shri Rajesh Gupta, IRSEE (2001) – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Tenure extended by 2 years beyond 15 April 2026.
Shri Sadanand S Date, IPS (UK:2007) – Ministry of Home Affairs
- “Cooling-off” period waived for central deputation in relaxation of IPS Tenure Policy.
Ms. P. Hemalatha, IAS (KN:2000) – Development Commissioner, SEZ, Cochin
- Granted ex-post facto approval for additional charge as Chairman, MPEDA, Cochin (18 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026).
Shri Manoj Sethi, ICAS (1993) – Joint Secretary & FA, Department of Fertilizers
- Tenure extended by 1 year beyond 4 February 2026.

Significance of These Approvals

These approvals reflect the government’s focus on:

Ensuring institutional continuity in key ministries and departments
Retention of experienced officers for strategic projects
Supporting policy implementation in sectors like electronics, home affairs, census, fertilizers, and SEZ development

The Office Memorandums were issued under the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, with copies circulated to the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Secretariat, concerned ministries, and officers.