ACC Approves Appointment of Shri Arindam Chaudhary, IAS (HP:2014), as Deputy Secretary in Ministry of Steel Under Central Staffing Scheme
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Arindam Chaudhary, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Himachal Pradesh cadre, 2014 batch, as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Steel, Government of India.
According to the official order, his appointment has been made under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) for a period of four years from the date of assumption of charge of the post, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The directive further instructs that Shri Chaudhary be relieved of his current duties immediately so that he may take up his new assignment in the Ministry of Steel, New Delhi.
Background of the Officer
Shri Arindam Chaudhary has served in various administrative roles in his cadre, contributing to governance, policy implementation, and development initiatives in Himachal Pradesh. His appointment to the Ministry of Steel marks his transition to central deputation, where he will be involved in national-level policymaking and administrative responsibilities in one of India’s key industrial sectors.
Role of the Ministry of Steel
The Ministry of Steel is responsible for:
Formulating and implementing policies related to the steel industry.
Overseeing public sector undertakings such as Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).
Promoting research, innovation, and sustainable practices in steel production. Supporting India’s infrastructure growth through steel sector development.
As Deputy Secretary, Shri Chaudhary will play a crucial role in coordinating policy, administration, and inter-ministerial matters to strengthen India’s steel industry.
ACC Guidelines on Joining
The order also reiterates the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet’s directions, as conveyed in DoP&T’s Circular No. 3/4/2004-EO(MM-1) dated 17 August 2005, which states:
An officer appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme must join the post within three weeks from the date of issue of the appointment order.
Failure to join within the stipulated period will result in initiation of the debarment process from the Central Staffing Scheme. This guideline ensures discipline and timeliness in cadre management and central postings.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment of Shri Arindam Chaudhary reflects the government’s emphasis on:
Strengthening administrative leadership in the Ministry of Steel.
Ensuring continuity in governance through timely cadre appointments. Enhancing policy execution in industrial development and infrastructure growth.
His experience in state administration is expected to add value to the Ministry’s initiatives, particularly in areas requiring coordination between industry, government, and stakeholders.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet’s approval of Shri Arindam Chaudhary’s appointment as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Steel under the Central Staffing Scheme for four years underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening administrative capacity in key industrial sectors. His immediate relief from current duties ensures a smooth transition, while adherence to ACC’s joining guidelines maintains discipline in cadre management.
