ACC Extends Saurabh Garg’s Tenure as Statistics Secretary by One Year Till July 2027
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension in the tenure of Shri Saurabh Garg (IAS:1991: Odisha, Retired) as Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on a contract basis.
The decision was notified by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) through an order issued on July 13, 2026.
One-Year Extension on Contract Basis
According to the ACC order, Saurabh Garg’s tenure has been extended for one year beyond July 31, 2026.
He will now continue as Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, up to July 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The extension has been granted on the existing terms and conditions of his contractual appointment.
Will Continue as Secretary to National Statistics Commission
Besides heading the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Saurabh Garg will also continue to discharge the responsibilities of Secretary to the National Statistics Commission (NSC).
The National Statistics Commission plays an important role in strengthening India’s official statistical system by advising on statistical policies, standards and methodologies, while promoting the credibility, reliability and quality of official data.
Continuity in a Key Ministry
The extension ensures continuity in the leadership of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, which is responsible for compiling and publishing India’s official economic and social statistics.
The ministry oversees the country’s statistical framework through organisations such as the National Statistical Office (NSO) and is also responsible for monitoring major Central Government programmes and projects.
Its work is critical for policymaking, economic planning, inflation estimates, employment surveys, industrial output data and national accounts.
Experienced Bureaucrat
A 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, Saurabh Garg has held several important assignments in both the Central and State Governments during his distinguished administrative career.
Following his retirement from the Indian Administrative Service, he continued in public service after being appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, on a contractual basis.
The latest ACC decision reflects the government’s confidence in his leadership and experience by extending his tenure for another year.
ACC Order
The appointment order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training states that Saurabh Garg will continue as Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, up to July 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, while continuing to perform the functions of Secretary to the National Statistics Commission.
The extension is expected to provide administrative continuity at a time when the ministry continues to play a central role in strengthening India’s statistical ecosystem, improving data quality and supporting evidence-based governance.
