Ayush Secretary Rajesh Kotecha Gets Fourth Extension, Will Continue Till June 2026

In a significant move reflecting the Centre’s continued trust in traditional medicine leadership, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, has been granted a fourth extension, allowing him to serve in the role until June 28, 2026.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension on a contractual basis, retaining his current terms and conditions. Kotecha, originally appointed in 2017, is one of the few lateral entrants to have held a senior bureaucratic post for such an extended period — a testament to his impact and influence in the Ministry of Ayush.

“Dr. Kotecha’s tenure has seen a transformation in how traditional medicine is viewed, not just in India but globally,” said a senior official at the Ministry.
“From expanding Ayurveda’s research base to promoting yoga on the global stage, his contributions have been strategic and sustained.”

Before joining the ministry, Kotecha was known for his clinical work as Chief Consultant at Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic, Jaipur. A qualified Ayurveda physician, he brought practitioner insight into a government role, a rarity in the bureaucratic ecosystem.

Under his leadership, the Ayush Ministry has taken on high-profile initiatives including:

• The internationalization of Ayurveda and Yoga

• Establishing wellness centers and Ayush research councils

• Collaboration with WHO on traditional medicine

• Organizing large-scale events like International Day of Yoga

Notably, Kotecha has overseen the Ministry during pivotal moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where Ayush-based immunity boosters and wellness advice gained massive public attention and policy traction.

Support & Criticism

While Kotecha’s supporters praise his vision and commitment to elevating India’s wellness heritage, critics argue that long tenures through repeated extensions can discourage fresh leadership within government departments. Still, even skeptics agree that Kotecha has played a pivotal role in bringing traditional Indian medicine into mainstream health discussions.

His fourth extension puts him on track to complete nearly a decade at the helm of the Ministry — an uncommon feat for someone appointed from outside the civil services.

A Decade of Ayush: What Next?

With the 10th International Day of Yoga set for June 21, 2025, and India’s wellness diplomacy gaining ground at global forums like the Osaka Expo, Kotecha’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture.

“This isn’t just about continuing tradition,” said a senior Ayush insider. “It’s about transforming tradition into a modern, accessible, and evidence-backed system for the world.”

As India bets big on its soft power through health and wellness, Kotecha remains a key architect — blending ancient wisdom with modern strategy, one extension at a time.