From the classrooms of IIT Kharagpur to the corridors of power in Bhopal, Shri Anurag Jain’s life is a captivating tale of brilliance, dedication, and transformative public service. As a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Jain has risen through the ranks to become the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, a position he assumed on October 1, 2024. His journey is not just a chronicle of personal success but a testament to how innovation and integrity can shape governance and uplift millions of lives. Let’s dive into the remarkable story of this distinguished civil servant.
Early Life and Education: The Making of a Visionary
Shri Anurag Jain was born in Gwalior, a city steeped in history and culture in Madhya Pradesh. Growing up in this vibrant region, he displayed an early aptitude for academics and problem-solving. His intellectual curiosity led him to one of India’s most prestigious institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. In 1986, he graduated with a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering, equipping him with a strong technical foundation that would later influence his administrative innovations.
But Jain’s ambitions extended beyond engineering. Inspired by a desire to serve the nation and address its myriad challenges, he set his sights on the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). In 1989, his hard work paid off when he cleared the highly competitive UPSC examination, securing a place in the Madhya Pradesh cadre. This marked the beginning of a career that would leave an indelible mark on both state and national governance.
Early Career: A Ground-Level Leader
Jain’s entry into the IAS was the start of a hands-on journey in public administration. His initial years were spent in the field, where he honed his skills as a people-centric administrator. Starting as an assistant collector in Sagar district in 1990, he quickly adapted to the complexities of governance at the grassroots level.
Over the years, Jain served as collector in several districts, including Mandla, Mandsaur, and Bhopal. His tenure as the collector of Bhopal from 2001 to 2004 stands out as a period of groundbreaking innovation. Recognizing the inefficiencies in traditional record-keeping, he introduced the digitization of revenue records using Google Maps—an initiative that was ahead of its time. This move not only streamlined land administration but also became a model for other districts, showcasing his ability to blend technology with governance.
A Key Ally to Madhya Pradesh’s Leadership
In 2005, Jain’s career took a significant leap when he was appointed secretary to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the newly elected Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. This role thrust him into the heart of state policymaking, where he worked closely with the CM to shape the government’s vision. One of his most notable contributions during this period was the conceptualization and launch of the Ladli Laxmi Yojana in 2007.
This flagship scheme aimed to empower girls by promoting their education and welfare, offering financial incentives to families. Under Jain’s guidance, the program gained widespread acclaim and became a cornerstone of Madhya Pradesh’s social welfare efforts, inspiring similar initiatives nationwide. His six-year stint as the CM’s secretary (2005–2011) solidified his reputation as a trusted and innovative administrator.
National Impact: From PMO to Financial Inclusion
Jain’s talents soon caught the attention of the central government. In 2011, he was called to serve as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), a role he held until 2015. This was a pivotal phase in his career, as he worked under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the early years of the latter’s tenure.
One of his standout contributions in the PMO was his involvement in the rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in 2014. This ambitious financial inclusion program aimed to bring banking services to millions of unbanked Indians, opening zero-balance accounts and providing access to credit and insurance. Jain’s expertise in execution and coordination played a crucial role in its success, making it one of the world’s largest financial inclusion drives.
Following his time in the PMO, Jain continued to serve at the national level, eventually taking on the role of Secretary in the Union Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways. Here, he oversaw critical infrastructure projects that bolstered India’s connectivity and economic growth, further showcasing his versatility and leadership.
Return to Madhya Pradesh: The Chief Secretary Era
After decades of impactful service, Shri Anurag Jain returned to his home state in 2024 to take up the mantle of Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh. Appointed on September 30, 2024, he assumed charge on October 1, replacing Veera Rana as the state’s top bureaucrat. This appointment marked the culmination of a career defined by excellence and a deep connection to Madhya Pradesh.
As the 35th Chief Secretary, Jain now oversees the state’s administrative machinery at a time when Madhya Pradesh faces pressing challenges in economic development, infrastructure, and social welfare. With his extensive experience in both state and central governance, he is uniquely positioned to drive progress and innovation in the years ahead.
Legacy and Future: An Inspiration for Generations
Shri Anurag Jain’s career is a blend of technical acumen, administrative prowess, and a genuine commitment to public welfare. From digitizing records in Bhopal to shaping national policies in New Delhi, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to think big and act decisively. His integrity, coupled with a forward-looking approach, has earned him respect among peers and the public alike.
Set to retire in August 2025, Jain has a little over a year to leave his mark as Chief Secretary. Given his track record, this period promises to be one of dynamic leadership and meaningful reforms for Madhya Pradesh. His journey—from a young engineer in Gwalior to the pinnacle of the state’s bureaucracy—serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants and a reminder of the power of dedicated public service.