Dr. Mayank Sharma Takes Charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts

New Delhi, March 1, 2025 – Dr. Mayank Sharma, a seasoned bureaucrat with over three decades of experience in public service, has officially assumed office as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). A 1989-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), Dr. Sharma brings a wealth of expertise in defence financial management, international diplomacy, and government administration.

With a distinguished career spanning multiple domains of governance, his appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the financial oversight and accountability mechanisms within India’s defence sector.

A Distinguished Career in Public Service

Dr. Mayank Sharma has served in various capacities within the Government of India, holding pivotal roles in the Defence Accounts Department (DAD). His expertise in financial auditing, budget management, and defence procurement policies has contributed significantly to streamlining financial processes within the Indian armed forces.

Apart from his tenure in the Defence Accounts Department, Dr. Sharma has held key positions in the Cabinet Secretariat, where he played a crucial role in policy formulation, inter-ministerial coordination, and national security-related financial planning. His extensive experience in handling complex financial structures within the government makes him an ideal leader to oversee the financial management of India’s vast defence establishment.

International Representation and Diplomatic Engagements

Beyond his domestic roles, Dr. Mayank Sharma has represented India on international platforms, enhancing the country’s global outreach in financial governance and anti-corruption initiatives. His tenure as Alternate Permanent Representative at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) has been instrumental in shaping India’s stance on global financial transparency and legal cooperation.

Additionally, he has represented India at the International Anti-Corruption Academy and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, showcasing his commitment to international best practices in financial oversight and anti-corruption policies.

Role in Vienna and Handling of High-Level Delegations

Dr. Sharma’s diplomatic experience extends to his tenure as Head of the Consular Division at the Indian Embassy in Vienna. In this capacity, he was responsible for handling all consular affairs, ensuring smooth diplomatic relations, and managing high-level Indian delegations at the UNODC. His leadership in international affairs has strengthened India’s diplomatic engagements, particularly in areas concerning financial regulations and anti-corruption mechanisms.

Challenges and Responsibilities as CGDA

As the Controller General of Defence Accounts, Dr. Sharma will oversee the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), which plays a crucial role in managing financial transactions, ensuring accountability, and implementing fiscal policies within the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

His primary responsibilities include:

• Ensuring financial prudence in defence expenditures to optimize the country’s defence budget.
• Enhancing transparency in procurement processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency in defence acquisitions.
• Overseeing the payment and pension systems for defence personnel, ensuring smooth disbursement of funds to serving and retired armed forces personnel.
• Strengthening audit mechanisms to detect financial irregularities and improve accountability.
• Implementing digital transformation initiatives within the Defence Accounts Department to modernize financial management.

Future Outlook: Strengthening India’s Defence Financial Systems

Dr. Sharma’s vast experience in both domestic financial management and international diplomacy positions him well to lead India’s defence financial ecosystem toward greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

With defence spending being a crucial component of India’s national security, his leadership at the CGDA is expected to streamline budget allocations, modernize financial systems, and ensure effective utilization of resources in the Indian armed forces.

As he takes charge, his expertise and leadership will be instrumental in shaping a financially robust and accountable defence establishment, reinforcing India’s commitment to a transparent and efficient governance framework.