The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension of service for Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, allowing him to continue in his role until October 31, 2027, or until further orders.
Singh’s previous tenure was scheduled to end on October 31, 2026. The extension was 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. The formal communication stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in the service of Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS (KL:89) as Secretary, Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence, for a period of one year beyond 31.10.2026, i.e. up to 31.10.2027 or until further orders whichever is earlier.”
Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, assumed the office of Defense Secretary at South Block, New Delhi, on November 1, 2024. Prior to this, he had taken charge as Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) on August 20, 2024.
Before assuming office, Singh paid homage to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He remarked, “The nation will remain forever indebted to our brave soldiers who make the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. Their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice are a source of strength & inspiration for us to make India a safe and prosperous nation.”
Before his appointment as Defense Secretary, Singh served as Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, from April 24, 2023, to August 20, 2024. He also held the position of Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Throughout his career, Singh has held several significant roles within the Union Government, including Director of Works and Urban Transport in the Ministry of Urban Development; Commissioner (Lands) at the Delhi Development Authority; Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare; and Chief Vigilance Officer at the Food Corporation of India. He has also served in the State Government as Secretary of Urban Development and most recently as Finance Secretary for the Government of Kerala.
Singh succeeded Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, who retired on October 31, 2024.