Cabinet Appointments Panel Clears Harish Singh Papola as OSD to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in Ministry of Communications
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has granted formal approval for the appointment of Shri Harish Singh Papola, IRPFS (2015) as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in the Ministry of Communications.
As per the sanctioned proposal, Shri Papola will serve in the Ministry at the level of Deputy Secretary, with his tenure extending up to August 10, 2028, which corresponds to the maximum permissible period of seven years outside his parent cadre under the prevailing central staffing norms. The tenure will commence from the date he formally assumes charge of the post.
The appointment has been structured on a co-terminus basis with the Minister, meaning the assignment will remain valid only as long as Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia continues to hold the ministerial office.
Additionally, the appointment may conclude earlier if Shri Papola ceases to function as Officer on Special Duty or if further orders are issued by the competent authority, whichever condition is met first.
In his role as OSD, Shri Papola is expected to provide high-level administrative, policy, and coordination support to the Minister, particularly in matters relating to the communications sector and the development initiatives concerning the North Eastern Region. Such OSD appointments are considered critical for ensuring close coordination between the Minister’s office and the administrative machinery of the Ministry.
The approval by the ACC underscores the government’s emphasis on deploying experienced and professionally trained officers to key advisory and support roles within strategically important ministries.
