New Delhi, India — India’s central government has announced two important bureaucratic appointments in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a key ministry responsible for industrial policy, investment promotion, and internal trade regulation in the country.
The appointments were officially confirmed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) through memorandums issued by the Office of the Establishment Officer on May 18, 2026.
Rajesh Panwar Named Director in DPIIT
Rajesh Panwar, a 2012-batch officer of the Indian Economic Service (IES), has been appointed as Director in DPIIT, based in New Delhi.
According to the official order, Panwar was recommended for Central deputation by India’s Department of Economic Affairs. His appointment will be effective for a tenure of five years from the date he assumes office, or until further government orders are issued.
The DoPT instructed the concerned department to relieve him immediately so he can take charge of his new responsibilities without delay.
The memorandum also reiterated Central Staffing Scheme rules stating that officers must join their assigned posts within three weeks of the appointment order. Failure to do so may lead to debarment from future Central deputation opportunities.
Preetinder Singh Padda Appointed Deputy Secretary
In a separate but parallel appointment, Preetinder Singh Padda, a 2013-batch officer of the Indian Postal and Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TA&FS), has been named Deputy Secretary in DPIIT.
Padda was recommended for Central deputation by the Department of Telecommunications. His tenure in the new role will last four years from the date of assuming charge or until further instructions from the government.
Officials confirmed that immediate relief has also been ordered in his case to facilitate an early transition into the new assignment.
DPIIT’s Expanding Role in India’s Economic Strategy
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade plays a central role in shaping India’s industrial and investment policies. The department oversees initiatives related to foreign direct investment (FDI), startup development, manufacturing growth, intellectual property rights, and ease-of-doing-business reforms.
The appointments of Rajesh Panwar and Preetinder Singh Padda are viewed as part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen leadership and administrative efficiency within the ministry as India continues to position itself as a major global manufacturing and investment destination.
Both officers are expected to assume their new responsibilities in New Delhi in accordance with Central Staffing Scheme guidelines.
