The Personnel Secretary (ISO: KÃÂrmik Saciv) popularly called as Secretary (P), is the administrative head of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. This post is held by senior IAS officer of the rank of Secretary to Government of India. The current Personnel Secretary is Rachna Shah , a 1991 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre.
As a Secretary to Government of India, the Personnel Secretary ranks 23rd on Indian Order of Precedence.
Personnel Secretary is the administrative head of DoPT, and is the principal adviser to the Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on all matters of policy and administration within DoPT.
The role of Personnel Secretary is as follows:
As the Personnel Secretary is of the rank of Secretary to Government of India, his/her salary is equivalent to Chief Secretaries of State Governments and to Vice Chief of Army Staff/Commanders, in the rank of Lieutenant General and equivalent ranks in Indian Armed Forces. The officer is also eligible for a diplomatic passport.