The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension in service for Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He will continue in the post until October 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
According to the official order issued on Oct 24, the extension has been granted in relaxation of the provisions of FR 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958. Singh’s current tenure was scheduled to end on October 31, 2026.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, assumed charge as Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024. He also holds the additional charge of Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The extension is expected to ensure continuity in ongoing defence reforms, indigenisation efforts, and key strategic initiatives.
