In a fresh administrative order, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of additional charges for two senior IAS officers serving in crucial positions within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
P Hemalatha to Continue as Secretary, Spices Board
The ACC has endorsed the Department of Commerce’s proposal to extend the additional charge of Secretary (Joint Secretary Level), Spices Board to Ms. P. Hemalatha, IAS (Karnataka: 2000).
Ms. Hemalatha, who currently serves as the Development Commissioner of the Cochin Special Economic Zone (SEZ), will continue to hold this dual responsibility for another three months — from October 24, 2025, to January 23, 2026, or until a regular appointee assumes office, whichever occurs earlier.
Ajay Bhadoo Retains Charge as DG, Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Similarly, the ACC has approved the extension of the additional charge of Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to Mr Ajay Bhadoo, IAS (Gujarat: 1999).
Mr. Bhadoo, who presently serves as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, will continue overseeing the DGFT for the period from October 21, 2025, to January 20, 2026, or until a permanent replacement is appointed, whichever comes first.
These extensions ensure continuity in key leadership roles within India’s trade and export governance framework as the Ministry continues to advance its policy initiatives and global trade strategies.
