ACC Clears Key Appointments: IRS Officer Rahul Kumar Named OSD to MoS Kamlesh Paswan Till 2030, Mandatory Cooling-Off Waived
In another significant personnel decision, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Rahul Kumar (IRS – C&IT:2016) as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in the Department of Rural Development.
The appointment has been made at the Deputy Secretary level and will remain effective from the date he assumes charge of the post. According to the official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the tenure has been approved up to February 6, 2030, subject to prescribed service conditions.
Appointment Approved by ACC
The approval has been granted by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) following a proposal submitted by the Department of Rural Development.
As per the Office Memorandum issued by the DoPT, Rahul Kumar will function as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan. The appointment is at the level of Deputy Secretary, reflecting the importance of the assignment within the ministry.
The Department of Rural Development had forwarded the proposal through its Office Memorandum dated May 13, 2026, after which the ACC accorded its approval.
Tenure to Continue Till February 2030
The official order states that Rahul Kumar’s appointment will continue up to February 6, 2030, which represents an overall tenure of seven years away from his parent cadre.
However, the tenure will remain subject to standard conditions applicable to ministerial appointments. It will continue from the date he assumes charge and will remain valid on a co-terminus basis with the Minister, or until he ceases to function as OSD, or until further orders – whichever occurs earlier.
This means that while the tenure has been approved until 2030, it may conclude earlier if there is a change in ministerial assignment or if any fresh government orders are issued.
Mandatory Cooling-Off Requirement Waived
One of the notable aspects of the appointment is that the ACC has approved it by waiving the mandatory cooling-off requirement.
Normally, officers returning from certain assignments are required to undergo a prescribed cooling-off period before taking up another deputation or designated assignment. In Rahul Kumar’s case, the ACC has relaxed this condition to facilitate his immediate appointment as OSD.
The relaxation has been granted with a specific safeguard. The order clearly states that if Rahul Kumar ceases to serve as OSD to the Minister for any reason, he will revert to his parent cadre, ensuring that the waiver applies only for the present assignment.
Role of an Officer on Special Duty
An Officer on Special Duty serves as a key member of a minister’s team and provides administrative, policy and coordination support.
The responsibilities generally include coordinating with different departments, monitoring implementation of government programmes, preparing policy briefs, assisting in official communications, reviewing files, and facilitating coordination between the Minister’s Office and various government agencies.
OSDs often play an important role in ensuring that ministerial priorities are translated into effective administrative action.
Rahul Kumar Belongs to the IRS (C&IT) 2016 Batch
Rahul Kumar is a 2016-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes).
With this appointment, he will move from his parent service to the Ministry of Rural Development to assist the Minister of State in handling a wide range of administrative and policy-related responsibilities.
The appointment reflects the Centre’s continued practice of selecting officers from different civil services for key ministerial assignments based on administrative requirements and experience.
Ministry of Rural Development’s Key Role
The Department of Rural Development is one of the Government of India’s most important ministries responsible for implementing flagship programmes aimed at improving rural infrastructure, livelihoods and poverty alleviation.
It oversees several major initiatives focused on rural employment, housing, social security and sustainable development. The Ministry works closely with state governments to ensure effective implementation of centrally sponsored schemes across the country.
The appointment of an OSD is expected to strengthen coordination within the Minister’s office as the ministry continues to oversee large-scale rural development programmes.
Official Order Issued by DoPT
The Office Memorandum communicating the ACC’s approval has been issued by the Office of the Establishment Officer, Department of Personnel and Training.
Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretariat, the Department of Revenue, the Department of Rural Development, and other concerned authorities for necessary action.
With the latest decision, Rahul Kumar will formally assume his responsibilities as Officer on Special Duty to Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan after completing the required joining formalities, marking another important appointment under the Central Government’s senior staffing framework.
