New Director Appointment in Defence Department Approved BY ACC, Check Here

In an important decision related to senior bureaucratic postings, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of M Anitha, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), 2007 batch, as Director in the Department of Defense. The appointment has been made under the Central Staffing Scheme, highlighting the government’s practice of deploying experienced civil servants to key policy and administrative roles in strategic ministries such as Defense.

Details of the Appointment

• M Anitha’s appointment follows a formal recommendation by the Civil Services Board (CSB).
• She will move to the Department of Defense on a lateral shift basis from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where she is currently serving as Director.
• Her posting will come into effect from the date she assumes charge of the new position.

Tenure and Central Staffing Scheme

• Under the terms of the order, Anitha will serve in the Department of Defense until 26 September 2026, which represents the remaining balance of her five-year deputation tenure at the Director level under the Central Staffing Scheme, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• The Central Staffing Scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring that key ministries are staffed with officers possessing diverse administrative experience.

About Central Staffing Scheme

• The Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) is a DoPT-administered mechanism for deputing AIS and Group ‘A’ officers to senior posts in the Government of India.
• Introduced in 1996, it aims to strengthen policymaking through diverse and experienced officers from states.
• CSS promotes two-way movement between the Centre and states and provides officers with national policy exposure.
• It covers posts from Under Secretary to Secretary in ministries and departments.
• Eligible officers include IAS, IPS, IFoS, and selected Group ‘A’ services with minimum 9 years of service.
• Selection is done through an annual offer list prepared by DoPT.
• Tenure is 3–5 years, after which officers return to their parent cadre.
• Diversity relaxations exist for women, SC/ST, and North Eastern officers.

Static Facts

• Officer Appointed: M Anitha
• Service: Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), 2007 batch
• Post: Director, Department of Defence
• Approving Authority: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
• Tenure Valid Till: 26 September 2026

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	ACC approved Director-level appointment
Officer	M Anitha (IRS)
Department	Defence
Posting Mode	Central Staffing Scheme

Question

Q. Who approved the appointment of M Anitha as Director in the Department of Defense?

A. Prime Minister’s Office
B. Union Public Service Commission
C. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
D. Civil Services Board