Government Assigns Interim Charge of Telecom Secretary to IAS Officer Chanchal Kumar During Neeraj Mittal’s Leave
The Government of India has approved a temporary administrative arrangement under which Shri Chanchal Kumar, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre from the 1992 batch, will assume additional responsibility as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri Chanchal Kumar will hold the additional charge of the Telecom Secretary from December 12, 2025, to December 21, 2025. The decision has been taken to ensure continuity in leadership and administrative oversight during the leave period of the incumbent Telecom Secretary, Shri Neeraj Mittal, IAS, Tamil Nadu cadre, 1992 batch.
According to official communication, the competent authority sanctioned the arrangement as part of routine administrative measures followed by the central government to avoid any disruption in the functioning of key departments. The Department of Telecommunications is a strategically significant ministry, responsible for policy formulation, licensing, spectrum management, digital connectivity initiatives, and coordination with telecom service providers and technology stakeholders across the country.
During this interim period, Shri Chanchal Kumar is expected to oversee day-to-day administrative matters, policy decisions, and ongoing initiatives of the Department of Telecommunications, while simultaneously continuing his primary role in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
His extensive experience in governance and policy administration is expected to facilitate smooth handling of responsibilities in both assignments.
The temporary charge will remain effective until December 21, 2025, after which Shri Neeraj Mittal is scheduled to resume charge as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, unless further directions are issued by the competent authority.
