ACC Extends Central Deputation of IAS Officers Nirupama J Dange and Pooja Pandey as Census and Citizen Registration Heads
In a significant administrative development, the Union Government has approved the continuation of central deputation tenures of two senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers holding key census and citizen registration responsibilities in Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. The extensions have been formally cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The decisions were communicated through official orders issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Nirupama J Dange to Continue as DCO and DCR in Maharashtra
The ACC has sanctioned the extension of the central deputation tenure of Ms Nirupama J Dange (IAS:2007: Maharashtra), who is serving as Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR) for Maharashtra.
As per the DoPT notification, her deputation has been extended to enable her to complete the full permissible five-year central deputation tenure, allowing her to remain in the post until December 12, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Ms Dange assumed charge as DCO and DCR, Maharashtra on December 12, 2022. Her initial deputation term was earlier scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2025. With the present approval, she will now continue in the assignment for the complete admissible tenure.
Pooja Pandey’s Deputation Extended for Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya
In a separate but related decision, the ACC has also approved the continuation of the central deputation tenure of Ms Pooja Pandey (IAS:2008: AGMUT), who is serving as Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration for Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
According to the DoPT order, her deputation has been extended to allow completion of the full five-year tenure, enabling her to continue in office up to March 16, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Ms Pandey has been holding the dual charge of DCO and DCR for the two northeastern states since March 16, 2022. Her original deputation was due to end on December 31, 2025, but the latest extension ensures continuity in her assignment under central deputation norms.
Strategic Importance of DCO and DCR Positions
The offices of Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration play a pivotal role in:
Conducting and supervising census-related activities
Implementing and monitoring the Civil Registration System (CRS)
Managing birth and death registration databases
Providing critical demographic data for national and state-level policy formulation
These positions are considered highly sensitive and technically demanding, requiring experienced leadership to ensure data integrity, operational continuity, and administrative precision.
Ensuring Stability in Census Administration
The decision to extend the tenures of both officers reflects the Centre’s commitment to maintaining administrative stability and institutional continuity in census and citizen registration operations. By enabling them to complete their full five-year deputation terms, the government aims to ensure uninterrupted progress in census preparations and civil registration functions across Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
