ACC Appoints ISS Officer Pankaj Kumar as Deputy Secretary in DPIIT for Four-Year Tenure
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Pankaj Kumar, an Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer of the 2016 batch, as Deputy Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The appointment has been made under the Central Staffing Scheme for a fixed tenure of four years, reinforcing the government’s focus on strengthening institutional capacity in key economic ministries.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s industrial policy, facilitating ease of doing business, and promoting both domestic and foreign investments. In this context, the induction of a technically skilled officer like Shri Pankaj Kumar is expected to contribute significantly to evidence-based policymaking and data-driven governance.
As a member of the Indian Statistical Service, Shri Kumar brings specialized expertise in statistical analysis, economic modeling, and data interpretation—skills that are increasingly vital in modern governance. His role as Deputy Secretary will involve handling critical policy matters, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and supporting the formulation and implementation of initiatives aimed at boosting industrial growth and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
The Central Staffing Scheme, under which this appointment has been made, enables the placement of officers from various All India Services and Central Services into key positions within the central government. This system ensures a steady infusion of talent and diverse expertise across ministries, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency and policy execution.
In DPIIT, Shri Kumar is likely to be involved in a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring industrial performance, evaluating investment trends, and contributing to flagship initiatives such as Startup India, Make in India, and policies related to foreign direct investment (FDI). His statistical background is expected to add value in analyzing large datasets, assessing policy outcomes, and providing actionable insights for decision-makers.
The four-year tenure provides sufficient time for continuity and impact, allowing Shri Kumar to engage deeply with ongoing reforms and contribute meaningfully to long-term policy objectives. His appointment also reflects the government’s emphasis on leveraging domain expertise in crucial sectors of the economy, particularly at a time when India is positioning itself as a global manufacturing and investment hub.
Overall, the selection of Shri Pankaj Kumar as Deputy Secretary in DPIIT highlights the strategic importance of integrating analytical capabilities into governance structures. It underscores a broader administrative approach that prioritizes competence, specialization, and cross-functional experience in driving India’s economic growth and industrial transformation agenda.
