The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), with the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), has extended the additional charges of two senior IAS officers — P. Hemalatha and Ajay Bhadoo — allowing them to continue in crucial leadership roles within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
P. Hemalatha to Remain Secretary, Spices Board, Till January 2026
P. Hemalatha (IAS:2000:Karnataka cadre), currently serving as Development Commissioner, Cochin Special Economic Zone (SEZ), will continue to hold additional charge of Secretary (Joint Secretary level), Spices Board for another three months.
According to a DoPT order issued on November 6, 2025, her tenure has been extended from October 24, 2025, to January 23, 2026, or until a regular appointment is made, or further orders are issued — whichever comes earlier.
Ms. Hemalatha has been managing this additional responsibility since January 2025. The Centre had earlier extended her term twice — first till April 23, 2025, and later till October 23, 2025. The latest extension ensures continued leadership at the Spices Board until a new appointee takes charge.
Ajay Bhadoo to Continue as DGFT Chief Until April 2026
Ajay Bhadoo (IAS:1999:Gujarat cadre), serving as Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, will continue to hold additional charge as Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for another six months.
The DoPT notification states that his extension will be effective from October 21, 2025, to April 20, 2026, or until a regular officer is appointed, or until further orders, whichever occurs first.
Previously, the government had accorded ex-post facto approval for Bhadoo’s DGFT charge for the period April 21, 2025, to October 20, 2025. With no permanent appointment yet finalized, his tenure has now been extended to maintain administrative continuity.
Ensuring Stability in Key Commerce Portfolios
Both the Spices Board and the DGFT play pivotal roles in shaping India’s external trade ecosystem — the former focusing on the promotion and export quality of Indian spices, and the latter implementing the country’s Foreign Trade Policy.
By extending these appointments, the government ensures uninterrupted policy execution and institutional stability within the Commerce Ministry as it continues efforts to enhance India’s export competitiveness and trade governance.
