In a recent administrative development, Gangadhar Panda, a 1993-batch IRS (IT) officer, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre from his current role as Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in New Delhi.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued the repatriation order on Saturday, acting on a proposal from the Department of Commerce. The move comes on personal grounds, bringing Panda’s tenure at the DGFT to an early close.
Mr. Panda had assumed charge in January 2023, following a major bureaucratic reshuffle announced on December 30, 2022, which saw the transfer of 19 senior officials at the Joint Secretary level.
During his stint at DGFT, he played a key role in shaping foreign trade policy and regulatory matters. His departure leaves the position temporarily vacant, with a successor yet to be named.
