Centre extends Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's tenure by one year

The Centre has extended Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's tenure by one year until October 31, 2027, PTI reported on Saturday, citing an official order.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the extension for Singh, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, beyond his scheduled retirement on October 31, 2026, the report said.

The extension will remain in effect until October 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, according to the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).


The government granted the extension by relaxing provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, the order said.

Singh heads the Department of Defence in the Ministry of Defence, which is responsible for defence policy and administration.