IAS Rajesh Agarwal has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre on request of the Government of Manipur.
In a significant bureaucratic development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the premature repatriation of senior IAS officer Rajesh Agarwal (IAS:1994:Manipur cadre) to his parent cadre, following a formal request from the Government of Manipur. The order, dated June 8, 2021, marks the officer’s early return from central deputation before completion of his standard tenure.
At the time of this decision, Mr. Agarwal was serving as Executive Director at the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) — an apex body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for promoting India’s trade and investment through exhibitions, fairs, and international collaborations. In this capacity, he played a key role in policy coordination and operational management of major trade events, including the redevelopment project of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi into a world-class convention and exhibition centre.
A 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Manipur cadre, Mr. Agarwal has held several pivotal assignments both in his home state and at the central level. His administrative experience spans areas such as economic development, public finance, industrial promotion, and infrastructure governance.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), through its official communication, confirmed that Mr. Agarwal’s repatriation was effected “on the request of the State Government of Manipur,” enabling his return to state service where his expertise is expected to contribute to key developmental and administrative priorities.
Such premature repatriations, while not uncommon, typically occur to meet specific administrative requirements of state governments or to address cadre management needs. Mr. Agarwal’s return underscores the Manipur government’s intent to strengthen its senior administrative leadership with experienced officers who possess substantial exposure to national-level policymaking and project implementation.
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