Amit Agrawal, IAS Given Temporary Additional Charge as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications During Neeraj Mittal’s Leave
In a revision of the administrative order issued earlier on December 11, 2025, the Competent Authority has formally cleared the assignment of additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to Mr Amit Agrawal, IAS (Chhattisgarh cadre: 1993).
According to the modified directive, Mr Agrawal—who is currently serving as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals—will hold the additional responsibility of Secretary, DoT from December 16, 2025 to December 21, 2025.
This temporary arrangement has been put in place to ensure uninterrupted administrative functioning during the leave period of Mr Neeraj Mittal, AS (Tamil Nadu cadre: 1992), who normally occupies the position.
The revised order supersedes the earlier notification and clearly delineates the duration and scope of the additional charge. During this period, Mr Agrawal will oversee the strategic, policy, and administrative responsibilities of the Department of Telecommunications, alongside continuing his primary role in the pharmaceuticals sector.
The Department of Telecommunications plays a central role in shaping India’s telecom policy framework, spectrum management, digital connectivity expansion, and regulatory coordination. Entrusting its leadership temporarily to a senior and experienced IAS officer reflects the government’s intent to maintain continuity in decision-making and operational oversight in a sector of national importance.
Such short-term additional charge assignments are routinely adopted by the government to bridge leadership gaps arising from leave or other exigencies, while ensuring that critical ministries and departments continue to function without disruption.
