ACC Grants One-Year Extension to CISF IGs Sonia Narang and Abhishek Goyal
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension in deputation tenure for two senior IPS officers of the Karnataka cadre — Sonia Narang and Abhishek Goyal — currently serving as Inspectors General in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
The extensions have been granted following a proposal moved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and approved in relaxation of the existing IPS Tenure Policy, according to official sources.
The decision is being viewed as a reflection of the Centre’s continued confidence in the operational leadership, administrative experience, and institutional contribution of both officers within the CISF framework.
Sonia Narang Gets Extension Beyond April 2026
Sonia Narang, a 2002-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been granted a one-year extension beyond April 6, 2026. She is currently serving as Inspector General in CISF and has held several important assignments during her policing and central deputation career.
Over the years, Narang has earned a reputation as a tough and upright police officer known for her anti-corruption stance and strict administrative approach. During her tenure in Karnataka, she had come into public focus after allegations surfaced in connection with a high-value scam during the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah.
Narang had strongly denied the allegations at the time and publicly stated that her conscience was clear. Her assertive handling of corruption-related matters and strong field image led many observers and sections of the public to refer to her as “Lady Singham.”
Apart from her current role in CISF, she has also served in important central assignments, including postings in the Enforcement Directorate.
Academically, Sonia Narang holds degrees in B.A. (Honours) and M.A. She joined the Indian Police Service in 2002 and has since served in a variety of law enforcement and administrative capacities.
Abhishek Goyal Also Retained in CISF
The ACC has also approved a one-year extension for Abhishek Goyal, a 2005-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre, beyond March 18, 2026.
Currently serving as Inspector General in CISF at Pay Level 14, Goyal is regarded as an officer with strong operational expertise and administrative experience. His continuation in the force is seen as significant given CISF’s expanding responsibilities in industrial security, airport protection, critical infrastructure management, and internal security support.
Originally from Punjab, Goyal is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where he completed his B.Tech in Computer Science before joining the IPS in December 2005. He also holds an MPM degree.
Officials familiar with the matter said Goyal has been associated with several important operational and administrative responsibilities during his career, contributing to organisational strengthening and security management initiatives within the force.
Centre Retains Experienced Leadership in CISF
The extensions granted to both officers underline the government’s emphasis on retaining experienced leadership within the CISF at a time when the force continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding critical infrastructure and strategic installations across the country.
The CISF is responsible for providing security to airports, metro networks, public sector undertakings, government buildings, and several key industrial and strategic assets. Senior officers with field experience and administrative expertise are considered essential for handling the growing complexity of national security and infrastructure protection duties.
Administrative observers noted that extensions under relaxation of the IPS Tenure Policy are generally granted selectively and indicate institutional confidence in the officers’ capabilities and ongoing contributions to central security operations.
