The government has assigned Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh the additional responsibility of serving as the chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This development comes in the wake of G Satheesh Reddy's retirement from the position.
Appointment Details
According to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday, Singh will hold the additional charge of Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO. The order specifies that this arrangement will remain in effect until a regular appointment is made or until further orders, whichever comes first.
Singh, who currently serves as the Defence Secretary, is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre. He assumed the role of Defence Secretary in October 2023, succeeding Giridhar Aramane.
Background of the Predecessor
G Satheesh Reddy, a distinguished scientist, retired as the DRDO chief on May 31, 2024. He had been at the helm of the organisation since August 2018. During his tenure, Reddy oversaw several key projects, including the development of advanced missile systems and other defence technologies.
Significance of the Move
The additional charge given to Singh is seen as a temporary measure to ensure continuity in the leadership of DRDO, which plays a critical role in India's defence research and development ecosystem. The organisation is responsible for developing cutting-edge technologies for the Indian Armed Forces, including missiles, radars, and electronic warfare systems.
Singh's experience as Defence Secretary, where he handles policy and administrative matters, is expected to provide stability during the interim period. However, the government is likely to appoint a full-time chairman soon, given the importance of the role.
Reactions and Expectations
Defence experts have welcomed the decision, noting that it ensures smooth functioning of DRDO's ongoing projects. Many believe that a dedicated scientist should eventually lead the organisation to maintain its technical focus. The search for a permanent chairman is expected to begin shortly, with several senior scientists within DRDO being considered for the position.
In the meantime, Singh will oversee DRDO's operations alongside his duties as Defence Secretary. The additional charge is effective immediately.
