In a significant move to bolster transparency and accountability in a strategically important public sector undertaking, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Ravindra Pratap Singh, a 2007-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL), New Delhi.
The appointment, formalized through a Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) order dated September 13, 2025, will remain in effect until February 14, 2027. Singh’s deputation, which completes a total of eight years at the Centre, has been sanctioned under a special relaxation of the prevailing deputation norms — an exception that underscores the government’s confidence in his administrative track record.
Strengthening Oversight in a Strategic Institution
SPMCIL, functioning under the Department of Economic Affairs, is entrusted with the production of India’s currency, coins, passports, stamps, and other security documents. The appointment of an experienced officer like Singh reflects the Centre’s commitment to strengthening internal vigilance, risk management, and governance in an institution that underpins the country’s financial security architecture.
A Distinguished Central Career
Singh has held multiple high-impact positions during his central deputation. He is presently serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals, a role he assumed in July 2023. In the same reshuffle, his post was reassigned to Satyaprakash T. L. (IAS:2002:HY).
His earlier roles include
Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development (Feb 2019 – July 2020)
Private Secretary to Dr. Rajiv Kumar, then Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog (July 2020 – May 2022)
Director, Cabinet Secretariat (May 2022 – July 2023)
These assignments demonstrate Singh’s wide exposure to policy formulation, institutional governance, and high-level administrative decision-making.
Tenure for Long-Term Vigilance Strategy
As CVO of SPMCIL, Singh’s tenure until February 14, 2027, or until further orders, provides continuity for long-term vigilance planning. His role will be critical in overseeing compliance across sensitive domains such as procurement, production systems, and regulatory standards.
The decision to relax deputation norms for his posting highlights the government’s intent to ensure that officers with proven integrity and competence are deployed in institutions where vigilance and operational rigor are paramount.
About SPMCIL
The Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL), a wholly-owned enterprise under the Department of Economic Affairs, is responsible for producing India’s official financial and security instruments, including banknotes, coins, passports, postage stamps, and government security certificates. The organization plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of India’s financial and administrative systems.
