Major Bureaucratic Appointments and Tenure Extensions Approved by ACC and DoPT on May 25, 2026
New Delhi, May 2026: The Government of India on Sunday issued a series of important bureaucratic appointments, deputation extensions and cadre-related decisions involving senior IAS, IPS and IRS officers through orders issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) and the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Piyush Singla Appointed Director in Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Piyush Singla has been appointed as Director in the National Health Authority–Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The appointment has been made under the Central Staffing Scheme and will take effect from the date he assumes charge of the post. According to the official order, his tenure will remain co-terminus with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and may be extended further as per Central Staffing Scheme norms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been directed to relieve the officer immediately to enable him to join the new assignment in Delhi.
ACC Extends CISF Tenure of Two IPS Officers
The ACC has approved a one-year extension in deputation tenure for two senior IPS officers currently serving in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Sonia Narang, Inspector General in CISF, has received an extension beyond April 6, 2026, while Abhishek Goyal, also serving as Inspector General in CISF, has been granted extension beyond March 18, 2026.
The extensions have been approved in relaxation of the IPS Tenure Policy following recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Vidya Jayant Kulkarni Repatriated from CBI
In another significant decision, the ACC approved the premature repatriation of Vidya Jayant Kulkarni from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to her parent cadre.
Kulkarni was serving as Joint Director in the CBI. The repatriation has been approved on personal grounds along with the imposition of an extended cooling-off condition under provisions of the IPS Tenure Policy.
The proposal was processed by the Department of Personnel & Training.
Vinayak Bhat Appointed PS to MoS V. Somanna
The ACC has also approved the appointment of Vinayak Bhat as Private Secretary to Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna.
Prior to this appointment, Vinayak Bhat was serving as Director in the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Central Staffing Scheme.
The government has simultaneously approved curtailment of his current tenure to facilitate the new assignment. He will serve in the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation at the Director level up to May 28, 2028, or until further orders/co-terminus with the Minister’s tenure.
Focus on Administrative Continuity and Governance
The latest set of appointments and tenure-related decisions reflects the Centre’s continued emphasis on administrative continuity, institutional leadership and efficient deployment of experienced officers across key ministries, national missions and security organizations.