Government Appoints Rajesh Kumar Singh as New Defence Secretary

Government Appoints Rajesh Kumar Singh as New Defence Secretary: In a recent move, the Indian government has appointed Rajesh Kumar Singh as the new Defence Secretary. Rajesh Kumar Singh, a senior IAS officer from the 1989 batch of the Kerala cadre, is currently serving as the Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). His appointment comes as part of a major reshuffle in top bureaucratic positions across various government departments.

Transition to Defence Secretary

Singh’s Background and Experience

Broader Bureaucratic Reshuffle

• Sanjeev Kumar : Currently the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Defence Production.
• Punya Salila Srivastava : Previously serving as Special Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, has been appointed as the new Health Secretary.

Significance of the Appointment

Role of the Defence Secretary

Key Responsibilities of the Defence Secretary

• Policy Formulation : Developing and overseeing the implementation of defense policies that align with national security objectives.
• Budget Management : Supervising the allocation and expenditure of the defense budget to ensure efficient use of resources for military operations, procurement, and development.
• Coordination with Armed Forces : Acting as a liaison between the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to ensure cohesive and coordinated efforts across all branches.
• Strategic Planning : Contributing to long-term defense strategies, including modernization programs, procurement of new technology, and enhancement of military capabilities.
• International Defense Relations : Managing and fostering defense relationships with other nations, including participation in bilateral and multilateral defense agreements and collaborations.
• Crisis Management : Leading the response to national security emergencies, ensuring that the military is prepared to address any threats or crises effectively.
• Advisory Role : Providing expert advice to the Defense Minister and other government officials on defense matters, including military operations, procurement, and national security.
• Administrative Oversight : Ensuring the smooth functioning of the Ministry of Defence, including personnel management, procurement processes, and the implementation of defense projects.

Appointment of the Defence Secretary

• Selection Criteria : The Defence Secretary is typically a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. The candidate is usually selected from among the most experienced and distinguished officers who have a strong background in public administration, defense, or related fields.
• Recommendation and Shortlisting : The process begins with the shortlisting of eligible IAS officers, often those who have held significant positions in the government, such as Secretary-level roles in other ministries or departments. Their past performance, experience, and expertise in handling complex administrative tasks are key factors in this stage.
• Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) : The final selection is made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. The ACC reviews the shortlisted candidates and makes the final decision based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.
• Cabinet Approval : Once the ACC makes its decision, the appointment is formally approved by the Union Cabinet. This step ensures that the appointment is in line with the government’s broader administrative and strategic objectives.
• Notification and Appointment : After the Cabinet's approval, an official notification is issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. The selected candidate is then formally appointed as the Defence Secretary, and the appointment is made public through a government announcement.
• Term and Tenure : The Defence Secretary is appointed for a specific tenure, usually for a term of two years. However, this term can be extended based on performance and the needs of the government. The tenure can also be cut short if the government decides to make a change in leadership.

Unlock Your Defence Success with Defence Online Course - Join Today!!