Shashi Kant Sharma appointed new Defence Secretary of India

New Delhi, Jul 8: Shashi Kant Sharma has been appointed as the successor to Pradeep Kumar as the next Defence Secretary of India. Pradeep is due to retire at the end of July and Sharma will thus take charge for a two-year term.

Pradeep Kumar will take over as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).

Sharma, a 1976 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer from Bihar Cadre, is now working as the Secretary for Financial Services in the Finance Ministry. Prior to this he has also served in the Ministry of Defence as Director General (Acquisition).

Officials have beeb reported as confirming the appointment.

Reports indicate that until he takes over as the Defence Secretary he may be appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Defence Ministry in the rank and pay of Secretary with immediate effect.

Shekhar Agarwal, took over as the new defence production secretary. He is a 1997 batch IAS officer and in his new capacity replaces Raj Kumar Singh, who has earlier in July taken charge as the Home Secretary in place of Gopal Krishna Pillai.

OneIndia News