2015-Batch IAS Officer Joins Under Central Staffing Scheme for Key Policy Assignment
The Government of India has approved the appointment of Ajit Kumar Ranjan, a 2015-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Nagaland cadre, as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), New Delhi. His posting comes under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS), which deputes state cadre officers to the Union government for mid- and senior-level leadership roles in policymaking and administration.
Tenure Fixed Until June 30, 2028
According to an official DoPT order issued on September 16, 2025, Ranjan will assume charge shortly, and his tenure will run until June 30, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. In line with CSS norms, this period will be treated as a combined four-year tenure at the Deputy Secretary level, covering both ex-cadre and central deputation service.
DoPT Seeks Immediate Relief from State Duties
To ensure a smooth transition, the DoPT has formally requested the Government of Nagaland to relieve Ranjan from his present state-level responsibilities at the earliest, enabling him to join his new role at the Centre without delay.
Responsibilities at DoPT
As Deputy Secretary, Ranjan will handle a broad portfolio of policy and administrative functions, including:
Cadre management of the All India Services
Framing and monitoring of personnel policies and service rules
Coordination of the Central Staffing Scheme
Training and capacity building of civil servants
Advancing digital governance and HR reforms across government
His appointment comes at a critical juncture, as the DoPT is focusing on streamlining recruitment, strengthening transparency, and modernizing human resource management across ministries and departments.
Significance of the Posting
The central deputation marks a career milestone for Ranjan and underscores the Centre’s emphasis on engaging dynamic IAS officers from diverse state cadres in national policymaking. Such postings enrich the civil service by blending state-level governance experience with broader policy exposure at the Union government.
