Key Points :
- Who is Arti Kanwar? Arti Kanwar is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Gujarat cadre, 2001 batch, currently serving as the Secretary to the Government in the Finance Department (Economic Affairs) in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar.
- Educational Background: She holds an MA in History and a Master’s in International Development Policy from Duke University, USA, equipping her with a strong foundation in governance and economic policy.
- Career Highlights: Kanwar has held key roles such as Municipal Commissioner of Rajkot, District Collector of Bharuch, Commissioner Director of Commercial Tax, and Residential Commissioner in New Delhi, showcasing her versatility in administration.
- Current Role: As Finance Secretary, she oversees Gujarat’s economic policies, budgeting, and financial management, with additional responsibilities as Secretary (Expenditure) and Nominee Director of Gujarat State Petronet Limited.
- Challenges and Recognition: Kanwar has navigated gender biases in a male-dominated field and was empaneled for Joint Secretary in the Government of India in 2018, reflecting her national recognition.
Background and Education
Arti Kanwar, born in the late 1970s in Gujarat, India, demonstrated academic excellence early on. Her pursuit of a Master’s in History reflects her interest in societal dynamics, while her Master’s in International Development Policy from Duke University provided her with global insights into governance and economic development. These qualifications have shaped her ability to address complex administrative challenges with a nuanced perspective.
Career Achievements
Kanwar’s career spans diverse roles across Gujarat’s administrative landscape. As Municipal Commissioner of Rajkot, she likely drove urban development initiatives, improving civic services. Her tenure as District Collector of Bharuch involved managing revenue, law and order, and development projects in an industrially significant region. As Commissioner Director of Commercial Tax, she played a key role in tax administration, notably during the GST rollout. Her stint as Residential Commissioner in New Delhi highlighted her diplomatic skills in representing Gujarat at the national level.
Current Responsibilities
Since 2023, Kanwar has served as the Secretary of the Finance Department (Economic Affairs), guiding Gujarat’s economic policies and fiscal strategies. In 2025, she took on the additional role of Secretary (Expenditure), managing state expenditure. Her appointment as Nominee Director of Gujarat State Petronet Limited underscores her influence in the energy sector. These roles position her as a key figure in Gujarat’s economic growth.
Overcoming Challenges
Kanwar has faced gender-based skepticism throughout her career, as noted in a 2021 Ahmedabad Mirror interview. Despite these challenges, she has consistently proven her capabilities, earning respect and mentorship from senior IAS officers like S Aparna, Anita Karwal, and Sunaina Tomar.
Arti Kanwar: A Trailblazer in Gujarat’s Administrative Landscape
Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Excellence
Arti Kanwar, born in the late 1970s in Gujarat, India, grew up in an environment that valued education and public service. From an early age, she displayed a keen intellect and a curiosity about societal structures, which led her to pursue a Master’s degree in History. This academic foundation provided her with a deep understanding of human development and governance, shaping her approach to public administration.
Her academic journey took a significant leap when she earned a Master’s in International Development Policy from Duke University, USA. This prestigious program equipped her with global perspectives on economic development, public policy, and governance, preparing her for the complexities of administrative leadership. Her education, blending historical insight with modern policy frameworks, has been a cornerstone of her ability to navigate multifaceted challenges in her career.
Entry into the Indian Administrative Service
In 2001, Arti Kanwar cleared the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, securing her place in the Gujarat cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This marked the beginning of a distinguished career characterized by versatility, resilience, and a commitment to public welfare. Her early assignments provided her with hands-on experience in governance, setting the stage for her ascent to senior leadership roles.
Key Roles and Contributions
Municipal Commissioner of Rajkot
One of Kanwar’s early significant roles was as the Municipal Commissioner of Rajkot, a major city in Gujarat known for its industrial and cultural significance. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing urban development, infrastructure projects, and civic services. Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) is noted for its innovative management and use of private sector participation to enhance service delivery. During her tenure, Kanwar likely contributed to initiatives such as the establishment of City Civic Centers, which improved access to municipal services like property tax collection, water connection approvals, and complaint redressal. Her leadership would have focused on making Rajkot’s administration more citizen-centric and efficient, aligning with the city’s reputation for progressive governance.
District Collector of Bharuch
As District Collector of Bharuch, Kanwar took on a pivotal role in one of Gujarat’s industrially vibrant districts. The Collector’s responsibilities, as outlined in the Bombay Land Revenue Code, 1879, include land assessment, revenue collection, maintenance of law and order, and disaster management. Bharuch, with its significant industrial base and diverse population, presented unique challenges. Kanwar’s tenure likely involved coordinating developmental projects, managing land acquisition for industrial growth, and ensuring effective governance. Her ability to balance administrative duties with community engagement would have been critical in this role.
Commissioner Director of Commercial Tax
Kanwar’s role as Commissioner Director of Commercial Tax placed her at the forefront of Gujarat’s tax administration. This position was particularly significant during the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, a transformative tax reform. In a 2021 Ahmedabad Mirror interview, Kanwar highlighted her involvement in training officers and managing technology migration for GST implementation. Her efforts ensured smoother compliance and revenue generation, contributing to Gujarat’s fiscal stability. This role showcased her expertise in financial administration and her ability to handle complex policy changes.
Residential Commissioner in New Delhi
In 2017, Kanwar was appointed as the Residential Commissioner to the Government of Gujarat in New Delhi, a role that required her to represent the state at the national level. This position involved liaising with central government ministries, advocating for Gujarat’s interests, and coordinating on policy matters. Her diplomatic skills and understanding of national governance frameworks were critical in this role, which she held until her transfer in 2023. She also retained the additional charge of this position after moving to her current role, demonstrating her ability to manage multiple high-stakes responsibilities.
Secretary to the Finance Department (Economic Affairs)
Since June 2023, Kanwar has served as the Secretary to the Government in the Finance Department (Economic Affairs) at Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar. This role places her at the heart of Gujarat’s economic policymaking, where she oversees budgeting, economic planning, and fiscal policy. The Finance Department plays a crucial role in Gujarat’s industrialization and development, managing economic affairs, revenue, expenditure, and budget planning. Kanwar’s expertise in international development policy and her experience in tax administration make her well-suited to drive Gujarat’s economic growth.
In June 2025, she was given the additional charge of Secretary (Expenditure), relieving K K Nirala IAS. This role involves managing the state’s expenditure, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, and maintaining fiscal discipline. Her dual responsibilities in the Finance Department underscore her trusted position within the state administration.
Nominee Director of Gujarat State Petronet Limited
In August 2023, Kanwar was appointed as the Nominee Director of Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL), a key player in the state’s energy sector. This role reflects her growing influence in strategic sectors beyond traditional administration. GSPL is involved in natural gas transmission, and Kanwar’s appointment highlights her ability to contribute to Gujarat’s energy security and economic development.
Overcoming Challenges: A Woman in Leadership
Kanwar’s career has not been without challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has faced stereotyping, discrimination, and subtle gender biases. In a 2021 interview with Ahmedabad Mirror, she spoke candidly about the need to constantly prove herself, a challenge her male counterparts rarely faced. Despite these obstacles, Kanwar has excelled, drawing inspiration from mentors like S Aparna, Anita Karwal, and Sunaina Tomar, who have guided her through the complexities of public administration. Her resilience and determination have made her a role model for aspiring women civil servants.
National Recognition
In 2018, Kanwar was empaneled for the post of Joint Secretary in the Government of India, a significant milestone that reflects her recognition at the national level. This empanelment underscores her capabilities and the high regard in which she is held within the Indian bureaucracy.
Vision for Gujarat’s Future
As Gujarat continues to position itself as a leader in India’s economic landscape, Kanwar’s role in the Finance Department is pivotal. Her background in history and international development policy provides her with a unique perspective on economic challenges and opportunities. She is likely focused on fostering sustainable growth, improving fiscal management, and ensuring that Gujarat remains a hub of innovation and investment. Her involvement in GSPL further positions her to influence the state’s energy policies, aligning them with broader economic goals.
Personal Qualities and Legacy
Arti Kanwar’s journey from a history scholar to a key figure in Gujarat’s financial administration is a testament to her intellect, resilience, and dedication. Her ability to navigate complex administrative roles, overcome gender-based challenges, and contribute to Gujarat’s development makes her a trailblazer in the Indian Administrative Service. Her story inspires not only aspiring civil servants but also highlights the critical role of women in shaping the future of governance.
| Key Career Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| Batch and Cadre | 2001, Gujarat IAS |
| Education | MA in History; Master’s in International Development Policy, Duke University, USA |
| Municipal Commissioner, Rajkot | Oversaw urban development and civic services |
| District Collector, Bharuch | Managed revenue, law and order, and development projects |
| Commissioner Director, Commercial Tax | Handled GST rollout and tax administration |
| Residential Commissioner, New Delhi | Represented Gujarat at the national level (2017–2023) |
| Secretary, Finance Department (Economic Affairs) | Appointed in June 2023, oversees economic policy and budgeting |
| Secretary, Finance Department (Expenditure) | Additional charge since June 2025 |
| Nominee Director, GSPL | Appointed in August 2023 |
| Joint Secretary Empanelment | Empaneled in 2018 for Government of India |