MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg Gets 1-Year Extension On Contract

In an order, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) said, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved extension of tenure of Saurabh Garg, lAS (OR:1991) (retd.), as Secretary, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, on contract basis for a further period of one year beyond 31 07.2025, i.e., up to 31.07.2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, on existing terms and conditions.”

In the order, the DoPT also said that the officer would also discharge the functions of the Secretary to the National Statistical Commission.

Before joining MoSPI, Garg was Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, where he was involved in the formulation of policies for social, economic, and educational empowerment of vulnerable and marginalised communities.

He also served as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), where he was instrumental in expanding the usage of Aadhaar and strengthening the technology stack of its ecosystem. 

As the Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance, he led the development of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). 

Before joining the IAS, Garg was with the Tata Administrative Service. He has rich experience in the domains of digitalisation of agriculture, digital identities, and direct benefit transfer schemes.