IRS Officer Himanshu Roy to Serve Till January 2026; IRSEE Officer Smita Srivastava Retained in Education Ministry
The Government of India has sanctioned extensions for two senior officers presently on central deputation, according to fresh notifications released by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Dr. Himanshu Roy’s Deputation in Pharmaceuticals Department Prolonged
Dr. Himanshu Roy, a 2011-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), will continue as Director in the Department of Pharmaceuticals for an additional three months, extending his tenure beyond October 15, 2025, up to January 15, 2026.
Serving on central deputation since September 5, 2023, Dr. Roy has been closely involved in policy formulation and program implementation within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. His tenure extension is aimed at ensuring steady progress on strategic initiatives related to pharmaceutical policy, industry growth, and regulatory facilitation.
Smita Srivastava Granted One-Year Extension in Higher Education
The government has also approved a one-year extension for Smita Srivastava, a 1997-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), who serves as Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. Her extended term will continue beyond July 29, 2025.
Srivastava has played a pivotal role in advancing national higher education reforms, with a focus on digital learning platforms, research capacity building, and institutional modernization.
Continuity in Key Policy Sectors
Officials said these extensions form part of the Centre’s routine administrative measures to ensure continuity in governance, particularly in departments executing critical reform programs. Both officers oversee sectors of strategic importance — pharmaceuticals and higher education — which have been at the forefront of policy innovation and developmental focus in recent years.
