- Chinmay Pundlikrao Gotmare is a 2009 batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, known for his impactful roles in public administration.
- He served as District Magistrate in South Garo Hills (2012–2014), CEO of Nagpur Smart City (2022), and Collector of Gondia (2022–2023).
- Gotmare was on inter-cadre deputation to Maharashtra (2021–2024) on personal grounds, leveraging his roots in Nagpur.
- In March 2024, he was appointed Director in the Department of Expenditure, a key central government role.
- His tenure in Nagpur and Gondia highlighted innovations like smart city projects and stringent quality control measures.
Early Life and Education
Born in Kalmeshwar tehsil, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, Chinmay P Gotmare completed his education in Nagpur, likely in a field suited for civil services, such as engineering or humanities. His academic journey prepared him for the rigorous Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, which he cleared in 2009 to join the IAS.
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Career Highlights
Gotmare’s career began in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, with an early posting as District Magistrate in South Garo Hills, where he managed local governance and development. In 2021, he moved to Maharashtra on inter-cadre deputation, serving as CEO of Nagpur Smart City, where he drove initiatives like e-toilets and smart bins. As Collector of Gondia, he took decisive action by blacklisting 33 rice mills for supplying substandard rice. Since March 2024, he has been Director in the Department of Expenditure, shaping national financial policies.
Notable Achievements
His leadership in Nagpur Smart City earned an award for the Covid Bed Status App, aiding pandemic recovery. In Gondia, his enforcement of food quality standards underscored his commitment to public welfare. These efforts highlight his ability to blend innovation with accountability.
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Chinmay P Gotmare: A Trailblazer in Indian Administration
Introduction
Chinmay Pundlikrao Gotmare, a 2009 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has carved a distinguished path in public administration. As of April 16, 2025, he serves as Director in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, a role that underscores his expertise in governance and financial management. From his early days in rural Meghalaya to leading urban transformation in Nagpur and enforcing accountability in Gondia, Gotmare’s career reflects a blend of innovation, integrity, and dedication to public welfare. His journey, marked by significant postings and impactful initiatives, offers an inspiring narrative of service and leadership.
Early Life and Education
Born in Brahmani village, Kalmeshwar tehsil, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, Chinmay P Gotmare grew up in a region known for its vibrant community and educational heritage. He completed his entire education in Nagpur, culminating in a degree from the Institute of Science, a reputed institution in the city. While specific details about his academic discipline are not publicly available, it is likely that he pursued a field such as engineering or humanities, common among IAS aspirants. His academic rigor and determination paved the way for his success in the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, which he cleared in 2009, securing a place in the IAS with the Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
Gotmare’s formative years in Nagpur instilled in him a deep connection to his roots, which later influenced his decision to seek inter-cadre deputation to Maharashtra. His educational journey, coupled with a strong work ethic, prepared him for the challenges of civil service, where analytical skills and a commitment to public good are paramount.
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Entry into the Indian Administrative Service
In 2009, Chinmay P Gotmare achieved a significant milestone by clearing the UPSC examination, one of India’s most rigorous selection processes. His allocation to the Assam-Meghalaya cadre marked the beginning of a career dedicated to public administration. Following his selection, he underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, where IAS officers are equipped with the skills needed for governance, policy implementation, and leadership.
Career in the Assam-Meghalaya Cadre
Gotmare’s early career in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre was marked by hands-on administrative roles in challenging environments. One of his first significant postings was as District Magistrate (DM) of South Garo Hills from January 2, 2012, to February 25, 2014 . In this role, he oversaw district administration, managed development projects, and ensured the implementation of government schemes in a region known for its diverse tribal communities and complex socio-economic challenges. His tenure in South Garo Hills likely honed his skills in grassroots governance, stakeholder coordination, and crisis management.
During his time in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Gotmare held various other positions, though specific details are limited. These roles would have involved responsibilities such as revenue administration, public welfare programs, and coordination with state and central government agencies, building a strong foundation for his later assignments.
Inter-Cadre Deputation to Maharashtra
In 2021, Gotmare was granted inter-cadre deputation to the Maharashtra cadre for three years on personal grounds, a move approved by the central government on February 22, 2021. This transition allowed him to serve in his home state, leveraging his familiarity with Maharashtra’s socio-cultural and administrative landscape. The deputation marked a significant phase in his career, as he took on high-profile roles that showcased his leadership and innovative approach.
Deputy Director General at YASHADA
Before taking on more prominent roles, Gotmare served as Deputy Director General at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) in Pune, a premier training institute for public administrators . In this capacity, he contributed to capacity-building programs for government officials, focusing on governance, policy implementation, and administrative efficiency. His work at YASHADA positioned him as a thought leader in public administration training.
CEO of Nagpur Smart City
In April 2022, Gotmare was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL), a role that placed him at the forefront of urban transformation. As CEO, he spearheaded initiatives under the Smart City Mission, a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and services. His key contributions included:
- E-Toilets: Gotmare oversaw the planning and work order for 100 e-toilets, equipped with auto-flushing, sanitizing, and remote control features. These smart toilets, developed in collaboration with Eram Scientific Solutions, addressed the shortage of clean sanitation facilities, particularly for women .
- Smart Bins: He implemented 1,100-liter capacity smart bins with volumetric sensors that signal the Central Operations Center (COC) at 80% capacity, ensuring efficient waste management and aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Urban Mobility: Under his leadership, Nagpur Smart City was recognized nationally for scaling up walking and cycling transformation and accelerating street design projects, enhancing urban livability.
- Maha Metro Project: Gotmare supported the Maha Metro project, which included the construction of the longest double-decker viaduct, a landmark achievement in infrastructure development.
One of the standout achievements during his tenure was the development of the Covid Bed Status App, which provided real-time information on hospital bed availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative earned Nagpur Smart City the “Smart and Successful Pandemic Recovery” award from the Smart Cities Council of India on August 26, 2022. Gotmare received the award on behalf of the city, highlighting his role in leveraging technology for public welfare.
Collector of Gondia
In December 2022, Gotmare was transferred to Gondia as District Collector, replacing Nayana Arjun Gunde . As Collector, he was responsible for district administration, revenue collection, and public welfare programs in Gondia, known as the “Rice City” due to its numerous rice mills. A significant achievement during his tenure was his decisive action against 33 rice mills found supplying inferior quality rice unfit for human consumption under the public distribution system (PDS). On August 4, 2023, Gotmare issued an order blacklisting these mills for three years and mandated them to supply good quality rice within six weeks, with the threat of legal action for non-compliance . This move underscored his commitment to accountability and public health.
Appointment as Director, Department of Expenditure
On March 30, 2024, Chinmay P Gotmare was appointed Director in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, a role he holds as of April 16, 2025 . This central government position involves overseeing financial management, expenditure policies, and budgetary allocations, requiring a deep understanding of public finance and governance. His appointment reflects his extensive experience in administration, from grassroots governance in Meghalaya to urban development in Nagpur and district management in Gondia.
Personal Life and Legacy
While Gotmare’s professional achievements are well-documented, little is known about his personal life. His decision to seek inter-cadre deputation to Maharashtra suggests a strong connection to his home state, possibly driven by family or personal ties. Colleagues describe him as a pragmatic and innovative administrator, known for his ability to balance technological advancements with practical governance solutions. His legacy includes transformative urban projects, stringent quality control measures, and a commitment to public welfare, positioning him as a role model for aspiring civil servants.
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Comparative Insights
Gotmare’s career aligns with the broader trends in the IAS, where officers often transition between state and central roles, leveraging their expertise in diverse domains. His work in Nagpur Smart City parallels other successful smart city initiatives in India, such as those in Bhubaneswar and Surat, which emphasize technology-driven urban development. His action against rice mills in Gondia mirrors similar accountability measures taken by other IAS officers in food security, highlighting the critical role of district collectors in ensuring public health.
Career Timeline
The following table summarizes Gotmare’s key career milestones:
| Period | Position | Location | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | IAS Officer (Training) | LBSNAA, Mussoorie | Underwent training for civil services. |
| 2012–2014 | District Magistrate | South Garo Hills, Meghalaya | Managed district administration and development projects. |
| Pre-2022 | Deputy Director General | YASHADA, Pune | Contributed to training programs for public administrators. |
| Apr 2022–Dec 2022 | CEO, Nagpur Smart City | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Led smart city initiatives, including e-toilets, smart bins, and Covid Bed Status App. |
| Dec 2022–2023 | District Collector | Gondia, Maharashtra | Oversaw district administration, blacklisted 33 rice mills for substandard rice supply. |
| Mar 2024–Present | Director, Department of Expenditure | New Delhi | Oversees financial management and expenditure policies. |
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Key Skills and Attributes
The following table highlights Gotmare’s key skills and their relevance to his roles:
| Skill/Attribute | Relevance to Career |
|---|---|
| Urban Development | Led smart city initiatives, enhancing infrastructure and livability in Nagpur. |
| Public Welfare | Ensured quality control in food supply and implemented citizen-centric apps. |
| Financial Management | Current role in Department of Expenditure requires expertise in budgetary oversight. |
| Leadership | Demonstrated in managing diverse teams across districts and urban projects. |
Conclusion
Chinmay P Gotmare’s journey from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre to a central government role as Director in the Department of Expenditure is a testament to his versatility, dedication, and impact in public administration. His contributions to smart city development, district governance, and public welfare reflect a commitment to leveraging technology and accountability for societal good. As he continues to shape national financial policies, Gotmare’s career serves as an inspiring example of how IAS officers can drive transformative change across diverse domains.