Def Secy Rajesh Singh’s tenure extended by one year:Retirement now in 2027; set to become second-longest-serving official on this post under Modi govt

The central government has extended Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s tenure by one year. He will now remain in the post until 31 October 2027 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. His current tenure was due to end on 31 October 2026. Rajesh Kumar Singh took charge as the 40th Defence Secretary on 1 November 2024. By the time he retires on 31 October 2027, he will have held the post for around 1,095 days. This will be the second-longest tenure of a Defence Secretary under the Modi government. Dr Ajay Kumar served as India’s Defence Secretary for 1,166 days. Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, has been given a one-year extension to promote ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector and advance reforms in the DRDO. Rajesh Singh Holds Additional Charge as DRDO Chairman Since 31 May 2024, Rajesh Singh has held the additional charge of Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the DRDO. He was given this additional responsibility under an order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in May, after Sameer V. Kamat’s tenure ended. Kamat had been the head of the DRDO since 25 August 2022. This arrangement was to remain in place until a permanent chief was appointed or further orders were issued. No permanent chief has been appointed to the DRDO since then. The Defence Secretary Is the Ministry of Defence’s Highest-Ranking Official In India, the Defence Secretary is the most senior administrative officer in the Ministry of Defence. The Defence Secretary plays a key role in implementing the government’s defence policies, coordinating administrative and financial matters related to the armed forces, and overseeing the functioning of the Ministry of Defence. Note that the Defence Secretary and the Defence Minister are separate positions. The Defence Minister provides political leadership, while the Defence Secretary leads the ministry’s administrative functioning. Key responsibilities of the Defence Secretary 1. Running the administration of the Ministry of Defence: Coordinating between the ministry’s various branches, ensuring the implementation of government decisions, and monitoring administrative procedures. 2. Working on defence policies and government decisions: Advancing defence-related proposals, policies and important matters through established government procedures, and providing administrative advice to the government as required. 3. Coordination of defence budget and expenditure matters: Playing a role in the Ministry of Defence’s financial proposals, expenditure, resources and budget-related procedures. The final decision on the budget is taken in accordance with the prescribed government and parliamentary process. 4. Administrative coordination between the armed forces and the ministry: Coordinating ministry-related matters concerning the Army, Navy and Air Force. Commanding military operations is not generally the responsibility of the Defence Secretary. 5. Defence procurement and modernisation matters: Playing a role in proposals related to the procurement of weapons, aircraft, ships and other defence equipment, as well as the ministry’s procedures. Procurement decisions are subject to the relevant rules, financial powers and approval from the competent authority.