In a recent administrative decision, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the assignment of additional responsibilities to two senior IAS officers to ensure the smooth functioning of key government departments during the leave period of incumbent secretaries.
The appointments involve the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Nikunja Bihari Dhal Given Additional Charge of Justice Department
Nikunja Bihari Dhal, a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre and currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, has been assigned the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Justice.
He will hold the responsibility from June 20 to June 26, 2026, during the leave of Niraj Verma, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, who currently heads the Department of Justice.
The temporary arrangement is aimed at ensuring continuity in the functioning of the department and the ongoing work related to judicial administration and legal reforms.
Nidhi Khare to Oversee Food and Public Distribution Department
In a separate order, the ACC has entrusted Nidhi Khare, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, with the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Khare is presently serving as Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs and will hold the additional responsibility from June 20 to July 2, 2026.
She will assume the charge during the leave period of Sanjeev Chopra, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre and Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution.
The department plays a crucial role in managing food security programmes, public distribution systems and food grain procurement across the country.
ACC Approves Temporary Administrative Arrangements
The orders were issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
The appointments are part of routine administrative arrangements made to ensure uninterrupted functioning of important ministries and departments whenever senior officials proceed on leave.
The notifications were issued by Manisha Saxena, Secretary, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and Establishment Officer.
Key Highlights
- ACC approved additional charge assignments for two senior IAS officers.
- Nikunja Bihari Dhal to hold additional charge of Secretary, Department of Justice.
- Dhal will serve in the role from June 20 to June 26, 2026.
- Nidhi Khare assigned additional charge of Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution.
- Khare will hold the responsibility from June 20 to July 2, 2026.
- The arrangements have been made during the leave period of Niraj Verma and Sanjeev Chopra.
- Orders were issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).