Dr. Sandhya Bhullar, a 2003-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in India’s bureaucratic landscape. As Joint Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, she has been a driving force behind initiatives that bolster India’s industrial and economic growth. From her early days in Gujarat to her pivotal roles in national policy-making, Dr. Bhullar’s career is a testament to her dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to public service. This comprehensive biography delves into her life, achievements, and contributions, painting a vivid picture of a leader shaping India’s journey toward self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Excellence
Dr. Sandhya Bhullar was born in Gujarat, India, in an environment that fostered intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of social responsibility. Growing up in a family that valued education, she displayed an early aptitude for academics and a passion for making a difference. Her academic journey was marked by rigor and excellence, culminating in advanced degrees that equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of public administration.
Dr. Bhullar’s pursuit of excellence led her to the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, a gateway to India’s civil services. Her disciplined preparation and strategic approach resulted in her selection as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in the 2003 Gujarat cadre. This milestone marked the beginning of a career dedicated to public welfare, governance, and nation-building.
Early Career: Building a Legacy in Gujarat
Dr. Bhullar’s early career in the Gujarat cadre was characterized by her ability to tackle diverse challenges across various administrative roles. Starting at the district level, she gained hands-on experience in grassroots governance, addressing issues such as rural development, infrastructure, and public service delivery. Her ability to connect with communities and implement effective solutions earned her recognition as a proactive and empathetic administrator.
By 2019, Dr. Bhullar had risen to the position of Managing Director at Gujarat Informatics Limited, Gandhinagar, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the state’s digital infrastructure. Her leadership in this role focused on leveraging technology to enhance governance, streamline processes, and promote transparency. Her contributions were acknowledged with a promotion to the Secretary level in the Government of Gujarat, a testament to her growing influence and capability.
Transition to Central Government: A National Stage
In 2019, Dr. Bhullar’s career took a significant leap when she was appointed Director in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, under the Central Staffing Scheme. This role placed her at the forefront of health policy during a critical period, as the nation grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work focused on strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring effective policy implementation, showcasing her ability to manage high-stakes challenges.
In 2020, Dr. Bhullar was laterally transferred to the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance, where she continued to build her reputation as a versatile administrator. Her contributions in this role included supporting economic policy frameworks and financial reforms, laying the groundwork for her subsequent promotion to Joint Secretary in the same department in 2021.
A significant milestone in her career came in 2021 when Dr. Bhullar was appointed Secretary of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator in India. Succeeding Dr. R.K. Vats, she took on the responsibility of overseeing the restructuring of medical education and practice in the country. Her tenure at NMC was marked by efforts to enhance transparency, improve medical education standards, and strengthen regulatory frameworks, aligning with the government’s vision for a robust healthcare system.
Current Role: Joint Secretary at DPIIT
In November 2023, Dr. Bhullar was appointed Joint Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a role she continues to hold as of July 2025. Her tenure was extended for two years beyond February 23, 2025, reflecting her critical contributions to the department. This extension, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, allows her to serve until February 23, 2027, underscoring her importance to India’s industrial and trade policy landscape.
As Joint Secretary, Dr. Bhullar has been a key advocate for initiatives such as One District One Product (ODOP), a flagship program aimed at promoting indigenous products and fostering economic growth at the district level. In a pivotal conference hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in December 2023, she delivered a keynote address emphasizing the untapped potential of ODOP. She highlighted the importance of developing forward and backward linkages for products, advocating for a mission-mode approach to integrate ODOP and Geographical Indication (GI) products with e-commerce platforms. Dr. Bhullar underscored the initiative’s role in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), emphasizing its alignment with cultural preservation and economic self-sufficiency.
Her work at DPIIT also involves overseeing policies related to industrial development, foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade facilitation. Dr. Bhullar has been instrumental in promoting the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a government initiative to create an inclusive digital commerce ecosystem. Her efforts have supported the integration of local products into global and domestic markets, fostering innovation, fair competition, and consumer choice.
Leadership in Policy and Innovation
Dr. Bhullar’s leadership style is characterized by a blend of strategic vision, inclusivity, and a commitment to actionable outcomes. Her ability to bridge policy formulation with implementation has been evident throughout her career, from her work in Gujarat’s digital transformation to her contributions to national health and economic policies. At DPIIT, she has championed initiatives that align with India’s broader economic goals, including Make in India and Startup India, which aim to position India as a global manufacturing and innovation hub.
Her role in fostering collaborations between government, industry, and e-commerce platforms has been particularly impactful. By advocating for the integration of traditional handicrafts and GI products into modern markets, Dr. Bhullar is helping preserve India’s cultural heritage while driving economic growth. Her emphasis on data-driven policymaking and stakeholder engagement has positioned DPIIT as a key player in India’s economic transformation.
Navigating Challenges: Resilience and Adaptability
Dr. Bhullar’s career has not been without challenges. Her tenure at the NMC coincided with a period of transition in India’s medical education sector, requiring her to navigate complex regulatory and stakeholder dynamics. Similarly, her role at DPIIT places her at the forefront of India’s efforts to balance industrial growth with global trade dynamics, particularly in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Her ability to adapt to these challenges while maintaining a focus on long-term goals has earned her widespread respect.
Personal Life and Legacy
While Dr. Bhullar maintains a private personal life, her professional journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring civil servants and policymakers. Based in New Delhi, she continues to engage with stakeholders across sectors, from industry leaders to grassroots artisans. Her commitment to public service is reflected in her hands-on approach and dedication to inclusive growth.
Dr. Bhullar’s legacy is one of transformation—whether through digital innovation in Gujarat, healthcare reforms at the NMC, or industrial policy at DPIIT. Her contributions have not only shaped policy but also empowered communities, promoted self-reliance, and positioned India as a leader in global trade and industry.
Conclusion: A Visionary Leader for a New India
Dr. Sandhya Bhullar’s journey from a young IAS officer in Gujarat to a Joint Secretary at DPIIT is a story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service. Her work in promoting India’s industrial and trade ecosystem, coupled with her advocacy for cultural preservation and economic self-reliance, makes her a true architect of progress. As she continues to shape India’s future, Dr. Bhullar remains a symbol of how dedication and vision can transform a nation.