In a significant administrative development, IAS officer Pavan Kumar Malapati (2012 batch, Karnataka cadre) has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The posting, made under the Central Staffing Scheme, will be for a period of four years or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued the formal order on June 9, confirming the appointment following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
From Ballari to Delhi: Immediate Relieving Ordered
Before this appointment, Malapati was serving as Deputy Commissioner of Ballari, Karnataka. The DoPT has directed the Chief Secretary of Karnataka to immediately relieve him from his current responsibilities so that he can join his new post in New Delhi without delay.
As per ACC guidelines, IAS officers appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme must assume charge within three weeks of the appointment order, failing which they may face debarment from future central postings.
IFS Officer Kamlesh Chaturvedi Repatriated Prematurely from MoRTH
In a related move, the DoPT has also approved the premature repatriation of Kamlesh Chaturvedi (IFS:1988:MP), who was serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH). The decision, dated June 6, follows Chaturvedi’s voluntary request to return to his parent cadre in Madhya Pradesh on personal grounds.
Chaturvedi had been on central deputation since May 2017 and was granted successive extensions in 2022, 2024, and most recently until his scheduled superannuation in July 2025. However, his central tenure now concludes two months ahead of schedule due to his repatriation request.
These administrative moves reflect ongoing reshuffles at the central level, aiming to align key postings with evolving governance priorities.
