The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of M. Anitha, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS: 2007 batch), as Director in the Department of Defence under the Central Staffing Scheme.
She is being appointed on a lateral shift basis from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where she presently serves as Director.
Tenure:
Her appointment will be effective from the date she assumes charge and is valid up to 26 September 2026 or until further orders—whichever is earlier—completing the remaining balance of her five-year deputation tenure at Director level under the Central Staffing Scheme.
About the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
The ACC is a high-level body in the Government of India responsible for approving senior civil service appointments and transfers to key posts in the Central Government and public sector enterprises.
It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, with the Home Minister as a member, and is administered by the Cabinet Secretariat.
The ACC plays a crucial role in maintaining bureaucratic leadership continuity and ensuring that key administrative positions are filled by competent officers.
Central Staffing Scheme (CSS)
The Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) is a mechanism to facilitate posting and deputation of officers from various All India Services and Central Civil Services to key positions in the Government of India.
Under CSS, officers can be moved laterally (from one department to another) to bring expertise and diversity in manpower allocation across ministries and departments.
Role of Director in Department of Defence
A Director in the Department of Defence at the Centre typically oversees policy formulation, coordination, administrative matters, and implementation of critical defence programmes and schemes. (General Bureaucracy Context)
Such appointments are part of routine administrative support to the Ministry of Defence, enhancing civilian oversight and coordination with the armed forces.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
