Post Upgraded to Joint Secretary Level as ACC Approves Five-Year Central Tenure
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has formally approved an extension of the central deputation tenure of Ms. Pooja Pandey, IAS (Assam–Meghalaya cadre, 2008 batch), allowing her to continue serving as Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (OCR) for Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the extension grants Ms. Pandey an overall deputation tenure of five years, extending her term until March 16, 2027, or until further instructions are issued—whichever comes earlier.
Post Upgraded to Joint Secretary Rank
In a significant administrative move, the ACC has also approved the continuation of the upgradation of the post currently held by Ms. Pandey to the rank and pay level of Joint Secretary, marking her third year at the upgraded level. This elevation acknowledges the expanding scope and complexity of census and citizen registration operations in the strategically important northeastern states.
Key Role in National Population and Citizenship Framework
As Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration, Ms. Pandey plays a critical role in managing large-scale demographic data, implementing citizenship registration frameworks, and ensuring accurate population records in border-sensitive regions. Her continued leadership is expected to strengthen data integrity, administrative coordination, and governance delivery mechanisms in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
Strengthening Governance in Strategic Northeastern States
The extension reinforces the Union Government’s commitment to administrative continuity, particularly in regions that hold strategic, demographic, and geopolitical importance. The decision also reflects confidence in Ms. Pandey’s performance and her contribution to effective census administration and citizen documentation processes.
