Additional Responsibility of Three Key Secretary-Level Posts Assigned – Rajesh Kumar Singh, Srivatsa Krishna and Dr N Kalaiselvi Take Interim Charge
The Central Government has moved swiftly to ensure continuity in the functioning of several strategically important institutions by assigning additional charge of three Secretary and equivalent-level positions to senior administrators and scientific leaders. The interim appointments come in the wake of the retirement and completion of tenure of incumbent office holders heading some of the country’s most significant departments and organisations.
The latest orders place senior IAS officers Rajesh Kumar Singh and Srivatsa Krishna, along with eminent scientist Dr N. Kalaiselvi, in charge of critical institutions linked to defence technology, minority affairs, and earth sciences.
While these assignments are temporary in nature, they carry substantial importance because the organisations involved are currently overseeing major national programmes and policy initiatives. The government has clarified that the arrangements will remain in force until regular appointments are finalized.
Government Ensures Smooth Leadership Transition
Leadership transitions at the Secretary level often have far-reaching implications because these officers occupy the highest administrative positions in ministries and autonomous organisations. Any vacancy at this level can potentially affect decision-making, project execution, policy coordination, and administrative oversight.
To avoid disruptions, the Centre has entrusted additional responsibilities to experienced officers who already hold senior positions within the government system.
The three appointments cover:
Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and DRDO
National Commission for Minorities (NCM)
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Officials said the move is intended to ensure that ongoing projects, policy decisions, and institutional functions continue without interruption during the transition period.
Rajesh Kumar Singh Takes Charge of DRDO and Defence R&D Department
Among the most significant appointments is that of Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre.
Currently serving as Secretary, Department of Defence in the Ministry of Defence, Singh has now been assigned additional charge as:
Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D)
Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
The assignment follows the completion of the tenure of renowned defence scientist Dr Samir V. Kamat, who demitted office on May 31, 2026.
Why This Assignment Matters
The Department of Defence Research and Development and DRDO together form the backbone of India’s indigenous defence technology ecosystem.
Over the years, DRDO has played a central role in developing missile systems, electronic warfare technologies, radar networks, combat platforms, strategic defence capabilities, and next-generation military equipment.
At a time when India is aggressively pursuing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and accelerating indigenous weapons development, the leadership of DRDO assumes enormous significance.
As interim head of both the department and the organisation, Rajesh Kumar Singh will oversee ongoing strategic programmes, research initiatives, defence collaborations, and policy decisions related to military technology development.
Experienced Administrator at the Helm
Singh brings decades of administrative experience to the assignment.
Having served in multiple senior positions at both the state and central levels, he has handled complex governance and policy matters across sectors. His current role as Defence Secretary already places him at the centre of India’s defence administration, making him a natural choice for ensuring continuity in DRDO’s leadership during the transition phase.
Officials believe his dual responsibility will help maintain close coordination between defence policy formulation and defence technology development.
Srivatsa Krishna Gets Additional Charge of National Commission for Minorities
In another key appointment, Srivatsa Krishna, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been given additional charge as Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities.
Krishna currently serves as Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs and will now oversee the commission’s administrative functions as well.
The vacancy arose following the retirement of Alka Upadhyaya on May 31, 2026.
Role of the National Commission for Minorities
The National Commission for Minorities occupies an important place within India’s institutional framework.
The commission functions as a statutory body tasked with protecting the interests of minority communities and monitoring the implementation of safeguards provided under the Constitution and various laws.
Its responsibilities include:
Examining complaints relating to minority rights
Monitoring welfare and development programmes
Advising the government on minority-related issues
Reviewing policy implementation
Recommending corrective measures where required
Because the commission serves as a key interface between minority communities and the government, continuity in its administration is considered essential.
Familiarity with Minority Affairs
Srivatsa Krishna’s existing role as Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs gives him direct exposure to the policy landscape surrounding minority welfare and development programmes.
Officials believe this familiarity will allow him to seamlessly manage the commission’s responsibilities until a full-time appointment is made.
His dual role is expected to improve coordination between the ministry and the commission during the interim period.
Dr N. Kalaiselvi Takes Charge of Ministry of Earth Sciences
The third major appointment involves one of India’s most respected scientific administrators.
Dr N. Kalaiselvi, currently serving as Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), has been assigned additional charge as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
She assumes the responsibility following the retirement of Dr M. Ravichandran on May 31, 2026.
Strategic Importance of the Ministry
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is among the country’s most scientifically significant ministries.
Its institutions and agencies are responsible for critical functions that affect millions of citizens on a daily basis.
The ministry oversees:
Weather forecasting
Climate science research
Oceanographic studies
Earth system modelling
Seismology and earthquake monitoring
Polar and Antarctic research
Marine resource exploration
Early warning systems for cyclones and natural disasters
With climate change, extreme weather events, and disaster preparedness becoming increasingly important policy concerns, the ministry’s work has acquired even greater national significance.
Accomplished Scientific Leader
Dr Kalaiselvi is widely recognised as one of India’s leading scientific administrators.
She made history by becoming the first woman Director General of CSIR, one of the country’s largest scientific research networks.
Her career spans decades of research, scientific management, innovation policy, and institutional leadership.
Given her extensive experience in managing large scientific organisations, the government believes she is well positioned to ensure smooth functioning of the Ministry of Earth Sciences during the transition period.
Continuity During Critical Projects
The ministry is currently involved in multiple high-priority initiatives, including climate modelling programmes, ocean missions, weather prediction enhancements, and scientific research projects with long-term national implications.
Officials indicated that uninterrupted leadership is particularly important at this stage, making the interim arrangement a practical necessity.
Temporary Charge, Permanent Importance
Although all three appointments are interim in nature, the institutions involved are anything but temporary in their significance.
DRDO remains central to India’s defence preparedness and technological self-reliance agenda. The National Commission for Minorities continues to play a critical role in safeguarding constitutional rights and promoting inclusive development. The Ministry of Earth Sciences sits at the heart of the country’s weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster-management capabilities.
By assigning these responsibilities to some of the government’s most experienced administrators and scientific leaders, the Centre has sought to ensure that governance, policy execution, and institutional oversight continue seamlessly during the transition period.
Until permanent appointments are announced, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Srivatsa Krishna, and Dr N. Kalaiselvi will carry the additional responsibility of steering these vital institutions through an important phase of administrative change while maintaining momentum on key national priorities.
