Imphal: Rajesh Kumar Singh officially took charge as Defence Secretary at South Block, New Delhi, on November 1, 2024. A 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Singh had been serving as an Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) since August 20, 2024.
Marking the occasion, Singh paid tribute to India’s fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, where he laid a wreath in their honor. “The nation remains forever indebted to our brave soldiers, whose ultimate sacrifice inspires us to work towards a safer and more prosperous India,” he stated.
Previously, Singh held the position of Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, from April 2023 to August 2024. Before that, he served as Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Singh’s extensive career in the Union Government includes roles as Director, Works and Urban Transport in the Ministry of Urban Development; Commissioner (Lands) with the Delhi Development Authority; and Joint Secretary in both the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare. He also served as Chief Vigilance Officer for the Food Corporation of India. In the Kerala State Government, Singh held key posts, including Secretary, Urban Development, and Finance Secretary.
