In a recent round of central appointments, Rahul Raja, a distinguished officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Defence, under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) of the Government of India. The appointment, approved by the competent authority, is part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to bring officers with strong administrative and financial expertise into key policymaking positions.
Professional Background and Experience
Mr. Rahul Raja belongs to the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax cadre), one of the premier Group ‘A’ services of the Government of India. Over the course of his career, he has held several important assignments across the Income Tax Department, contributing to areas such as direct tax administration, investigation, policy implementation, and taxpayer services.
He has been known for his analytical approach, integrity, and commitment to governance reforms, and has played a crucial role in implementing modern financial management systems, improving compliance mechanisms, and facilitating taxpayer-friendly initiatives. His exposure to fiscal administration, regulatory oversight, and policy evaluation equips him with the skillset needed to handle complex responsibilities at the central level.
Role and Responsibilities in the Department of Defence
As Deputy Secretary in the Department of Defence, Mr. Rahul Raja will be responsible for assisting senior officials in policy formulation, budget management, inter-departmental coordination, and administrative oversight.
Given his background in finance and taxation, he is expected to contribute significantly to areas related to financial planning, defence procurement processes, expenditure monitoring, and fiscal transparency within the ministry. The Department of Defence handles critical functions such as defence policy, capital acquisitions, infrastructure development, and coordination among the armed forces — areas where expertise in fiscal discipline and regulatory compliance is essential.
In his new role, Mr. Raja will likely oversee matters pertaining to resource allocation, project appraisal, and audit coordination, ensuring adherence to financial propriety and efficiency in defence-related expenditure.
About the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS)
The Central Staffing Scheme enables the movement of talented officers from different All India and Central Services to central ministries, departments, and organizations. These officers bring diverse perspectives and professional expertise to the Union Government, strengthening administrative capability and policy execution.
Under this scheme, officers like Mr. Rahul Raja are selected for a fixed tenure — usually between four to five years — based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for central-level assignments. The selection process is handled by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), with final approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Significance of the Appointment
Mr. Raja’s appointment reflects the government’s approach of deploying financially skilled officers in key ministries that require strong administrative and fiscal oversight. The Defence Ministry, being one of the largest spenders in the Union Budget, benefits immensely from officers who possess deep knowledge of financial systems and accountability frameworks.
By appointing an IRS officer with experience in tax policy and revenue management, the government aims to further strengthen financial governance, streamline expenditure controls, and improve fiscal reporting mechanisms in defence-related functions.
The appointment of Rahul Raja, Indian Revenue Service (IRS), as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Defence under the Central Staffing Scheme, underscores the Centre’s commitment to inter-service mobility and professional integration across ministries.
With his proven expertise in fiscal management and policy implementation, Mr. Raja is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and strategic coordination within one of India’s most vital ministries — the Ministry of Defence.
