New Delhi/Shimla, July 23: The Central Government has appointed Himachal Pradesh cadre IAS officer Vivek Bhatia (HP:2011 batch) as Director in the Department of Youth Affairs under the Central Staffing Scheme.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on July 23, 2026, the Competent Authority has approved Bhatia’s appointment for a tenure of five years from the date he assumes charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The DoPT has directed the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh to relieve the officer immediately so that he can take up his new assignment in the Department of Youth Affairs, New Delhi.
The order further states that, as per the guidelines of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), officers appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme are required to join their new post within three weeks from the date of issuance of the appointment order. Failure to do so may lead to initiation of debarment proceedings under the scheme.
A copy of the order has also been forwarded to the Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, senior DoPT officials and Vivek Bhatia through the Chief Secretary, Himachal Pradesh, for necessary action.
The appointment marks another significant central deputation for an IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, with Bhatia set to take over a key role in the Union Government’s Department of Youth Affairs.
