NEW DELHI: In a major top-level bureaucratic realignment within India’s defense establishment, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the assignment of crucial additional responsibilities to senior bureaucrat Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS.
According to an official notification (No. 36/01/2026-EO(SM-I)) issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on May 29, 2026, Shri Singh will take over dual apex responsibilities in defense research.
Key Assignment Details
The interim deployment is structured to manage leadership continuity at the highest level of defense technology and research administration:
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Current Profile: Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belonging to the Kerala (KL) cadre. He currently serves as the full-time Secretary, Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence.
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Additional Portfolios: Shri Singh has been entrusted with the additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman, Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).
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Tenure and Timeline: The additional charge takes effect upon the completion of tenure of the incumbent, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, on May 31, 2026. The arrangement will remain in place till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
