ACC Clears Key IAS Appointments: Rajeev Singh Thakur Gets Six-Month NITI Aayog Extension, Chanchal Kumar Assigned Telecom Charge, Manashvi Kumar’s Health Ministry Deputation Extended
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a series of significant administrative decisions involving senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, aimed at maintaining continuity in policy formulation and ensuring uninterrupted functioning of key central government departments. The decisions include a short-term extension of tenure at NITI Aayog, temporary allocation of an additional charge in the Department of Telecommunications, and a long-term extension of central deputation in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Rajeev Singh Thakur Granted Six-Month Extension at NITI Aayog
Rajeev Singh Thakur (IAS: 1995, Rajasthan cadre), who is currently serving as Adviser in NITI Aayog at the rank and pay of Additional Secretary, has been granted a six-month extension of his central deputation.
As per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the extension will take effect beyond 12 December 2025 and will remain valid until further orders or the completion of the approved period, whichever comes earlier.
During his tenure at NITI Aayog, Thakur has played a key role in policy advisory functions and strategic planning exercises. The extension is intended to ensure stability and continuity in several ongoing initiatives being handled by the Aayog at the national level.
Chanchal Kumar Assigned Additional Charge of Telecom Secretary
The ACC has also approved the assignment of additional charge to Chanchal Kumar (IAS: 1992, Bihar cadre), who is currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
According to a DoPT order issued on Thursday, 11 December 2025, Kumar will hold the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Telecommunications from 12 December 2025 to 21 December 2025. This arrangement has been made to cover the leave period of Neeraj Mittal (IAS: 1992, Tamil Nadu cadre).
The temporary posting is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted administrative supervision in the telecommunications sector, which is considered a strategically vital department with ongoing policy and infrastructure responsibilities.
Manashvi Kumar’s Health Ministry Deputation Extended by Two Years
In another major decision, the ACC has approved a two-year extension of the central deputation of Manashvi Kumar (IAS: 2004, Punjab cadre), who is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
The extension will take effect beyond 14 March 2026, allowing Kumar to continue overseeing key health programmes, policy implementation initiatives, and inter-ministerial coordination at the national level. The move reflects the government’s intent to retain experienced leadership in the health sector amid ongoing reforms and programme execution.
Administrative Continuity at the Core of ACC Decisions
Together, these approvals highlight the ACC’s emphasis on institutional continuity, policy stability, and efficient governance. By extending the tenure of officers engaged in critical policy roles and making timely interim arrangements during periods of leave, the government aims to prevent administrative disruptions and ensure that priority initiatives across sectors such as planning, telecommunications, and public health progress without interruption.
