ACC Approves Appointment of Rubina Ali as Joint Secretary & CEO of National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Disabilities
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Ms. Rubina Ali, CSS, as Joint Secretary and CEO of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Her tenure extends until December 2026.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ms. Rubina Ali, a senior officer of the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), who is presently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, as Joint Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
Her appointment has been made on a ‘lateral shift’ basis, with immediate effect, for a tenure extending up to 31 December 2026, which coincides with the date of her superannuation, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Background of the Appointment
The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities functions under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is a statutory body established to provide support, care, and empowerment for individuals with developmental disabilities and to promote inclusive policies and programs across India.
By appointing Ms. Rubina Ali to this dual role of Joint Secretary and CEO, the government has ensured that the Trust benefits from her administrative expertise and leadership experience gained during her tenure in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Significance of the Role
As CEO of the National Trust, Ms. Ali will be responsible for:
Overseeing the implementation of welfare schemes for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
Strengthening institutional frameworks to support families and caregivers.
Promoting inclusive education, skill development, and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Coordinating with state governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to expand the reach of welfare programs.
Ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the Trust’s operations.
Her appointment is expected to bring renewed focus on disability empowerment, aligning with the government’s broader vision of social justice and inclusion.
Lateral Shift Basis
The appointment has been made on a lateral shift basis, which allows senior officers to move across ministries and departments to take up specialized roles. This mechanism ensures that experienced officers are placed in positions where their skills and administrative acumen can be best utilized.
The appointment of Ms. Rubina Ali as Joint Secretary and CEO of the National Trust marks a significant step in strengthening India’s institutional framework for disability welfare. With her tenure extending until December 2026, she is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing inclusive policies, expanding welfare programs, and ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the support and opportunities they deserve.
