ACC Extends Deputation of Arunita Phukan Yadav as Executive Director, Tea Board Guwahati Until May 2027
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of Ms. Arunita Phukan Yadav, IRS (C&CE: 2011), as Executive Director of the Tea Board, Guwahati under the Department of Commerce. Her tenure now continues until May 2027, completing six years outside her cadre.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Department of Commerce for the extension of the central deputation tenure of Ms. Arunita Phukan Yadav, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Central Excise), 2011 batch, who is presently serving as Executive Director of the Tea Board, Guwahati.
According to the official order, her deputation has been extended for a further period of one year with effect from 1 June 2026 up to 31 May 2027, thereby completing a total tenure of six years outside her parent cadre, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Background of the Officer
Ms. Arunita Phukan Yadav has built a distinguished career in the Indian Revenue Service, specializing in customs and central excise. Her appointment as Executive Director of the Tea Board, Guwahati placed her at the helm of one of India’s most important commodity boards, responsible for overseeing the regulation, promotion, and development of the tea industry — a sector that holds immense economic and cultural significance for the country, particularly in Assam and the northeastern region.
Role of the Tea Board
The Tea Board of India, headquartered in Kolkata with regional offices including Guwahati, functions under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is tasked with:
Promoting the cultivation, processing, and marketing of tea.
Supporting tea growers, especially small farmers, through welfare schemes.
Enhancing India’s global competitiveness in tea exports.
Ensuring quality standards and certification for domestic and international markets.
As Executive Director in Guwahati, Ms. Yadav plays a pivotal role in coordinating regional operations, supporting tea estates, and implementing government schemes aimed at improving productivity and sustainability in the sector.
Significance of the Extension
The extension of Ms. Yadav’s tenure underscores the government’s confidence in her leadership and administrative capabilities. With India being the world’s second-largest producer of tea, her continued presence in the Tea Board is expected to:
Strengthen policy implementation for tea growers and exporters, enhance international outreach and trade promotion and provide continuity in leadership during a crucial period for the industry.
By extending her deputation, the ACC ensures that the Tea Board benefits from her experience and expertise, particularly in navigating challenges related to global competition, climate change, and farmer welfare.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet’s approval of Ms. Arunita Phukan Yadav’s deputation extension until May 2027 highlights the government’s emphasis on continuity and stability in leadership within the Tea Board. Her extended tenure is expected to further strengthen India’s tea industry, ensuring that it remains competitive globally while supporting the livelihoods of millions of tea workers and farmers across the country.
