Deputy Secretary Post in Department of Higher Education Upgraded to Director for IAS Officer Richa Verma Under Central Staffing Scheme
The Government of India has granted formal approval for the re-designation of the post of Deputy Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, which is currently occupied by Ms. Richa Verma, IAS (Himachal Pradesh cadre, 2012 batch). The post has been upgraded and re-designated as that of Director in the same department, following due consideration by the Competent Authority.
This decision has been taken with reference to the Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Higher Education vide O.M. No. F.15-3541/2024-E.I dated 08 December 2025, which proposed the re-designation of the said post. The approval has been accorded as a measure that is personal to the officer concerned and does not constitute a general cadre restructuring.
As per the approved terms, the re-designation from Deputy Secretary to Director will take effect from 01 January 2026 or from the actual date on which Ms. Richa Verma assumes charge of the re-designated post, whichever occurs later. The tenure of the upgraded position will remain valid until 24 November 2030, thereby completing the total admissible tenure of five years under the provisions of the Central Staffing Scheme.
It has further been clarified that Ms. Richa Verma’s central deputation tenure commences with effect from 25 November 2025. The re-designated role as Director in the Department of Higher Education will fall within this approved deputation period and will be governed by the applicable rules and conditions of central staffing.
The order has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority and formally communicated by Ms. Annies Kanmani Joy, Deputy Secretary to the Government of India.
