Hareet Shukla IAS: Steering Gujarat’s Electoral Democracy with Vision and Precision

  • Key Roles: Hareet Shukla, a 1999-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, serves as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for Gujarat and Ex-Officio Principal Secretary, General Administration Department (Election), Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, since July 2024.
  • Career Highlights: With over 25 years of administrative experience, Shukla has held key positions in tourism, science and technology, land reforms, and urban development, showcasing versatility and leadership.
  • Educational Background: An alumnus of IIT Delhi with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Shukla brings technical expertise to his administrative roles.
  • Current Responsibilities: Oversees free and fair elections, electoral roll maintenance, and voter awareness initiatives in Gujarat, ensuring robust democratic processes.
  • Key Contributions: Streamlined election processes, implemented voter education programs, and contributed to Gujarat’s tourism and infrastructure growth.

Who is Hareet Shukla?

Hareet Shukla is a distinguished IAS officer whose career reflects a blend of technical expertise, administrative acumen, and a commitment to public service. Appointed as Gujarat’s Chief Electoral Officer in June 2024, Shukla plays a pivotal role in upholding the state’s democratic processes. His additional role as Ex-Officio Principal Secretary in the General Administration Department (Election) underscores his influence in shaping Gujarat’s electoral framework.

What Has He Achieved?

Shukla’s tenure as CEO has focused on ensuring transparent elections and enhancing voter accessibility. His prior roles, including Principal Secretary for Tourism and Science & Technology, have contributed to Gujarat’s growth as a tourism hub and a leader in technological innovation. His leadership in land reforms and urban development has left a lasting impact on the state’s infrastructure.

Why Is His Work Important?

As Chief Electoral Officer, Shukla ensures the integrity of Gujarat’s elections, a critical function in one of India’s most politically active states. His efforts in voter education and electoral roll management strengthen democratic participation. His diverse experience across sectors highlights his ability to drive systemic change.

Recent Developments

Since assuming the role of CEO in July 2024, Shukla has overseen preparations for local body elections and continued voter roll updates. His appointment followed a distinguished tenure in tourism and civil aviation, reflecting his ability to manage high-stakes portfolios .

Champion of Democracy: The Remarkable Journey of Hareet Shukla, IAS

Hareet Shukla, a 1999-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, stands as a pillar of public service, blending technical expertise with administrative excellence. Since July 2, 2024, he has served as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for the State of Gujarat and Ex-Officio Principal Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department (Election), Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar. With over 25 years of experience, Shukla has held diverse roles across tourism, science and technology, land reforms, and urban development, leaving an indelible mark on Gujarat’s governance. His appointment as CEO, approved by the Election Commission of India (ECI), underscores his reputation for integrity and leadership. This biography explores Shukla’s life, career, and contributions, offering a comprehensive look at a leader shaping Gujarat’s democratic and developmental landscape as of July 1, 2025.

Early Life and Education: A Foundation in Excellence

Born in India, Hareet Shukla grew up with a passion for problem-solving and innovation. His academic journey led him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. At IIT, Shukla developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and technical expertise, skills that would later define his administrative career. His time at IIT Delhi not only shaped his technical acumen but also instilled a sense of discipline and leadership, preparing him for the challenges of public service

Shukla’s decision to join the IAS in 1999 reflected his desire to contribute to societal progress. His technical background, combined with a commitment to governance, positioned him as a versatile leader capable of addressing complex administrative challenges.

Career Progression: A Diverse Path in Public Service

Hareet Shukla’s career in the IAS spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions across multiple sectors. His early roles included positions in district administration, where he gained hands-on experience in governance and policy implementation. By 2019, Shukla was appointed Commissioner of Land Reforms and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Revenue Department, where he streamlined land-related policies and enhanced administrative efficiency

In September 2019, Shukla was transferred to the Science and Technology Department as Secretary, a role that allowed him to drive innovation and technological advancements in Gujarat. His work focused on integrating technology into governance, laying the groundwork for digital transformation in the state [Indian Bureaucracy](). Later, as Principal Secretary for Tourism, Devasthanam Management, Civil Aviation & Pilgrimage, and Industries & Mines Department, Shukla played a pivotal role in promoting Gujarat as a global tourism destination. His initiatives included enhancing pilgrimage infrastructure and boosting civil aviation facilities, contributing to the state’s economic growth

Current Roles and Responsibilities: Safeguarding Gujarat’s Democracy

As Chief Electoral Officer, Hareet Shukla is responsible for ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections in Gujarat, operating directly under the Election Commission of India. His role involves overseeing the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, managing voter registration, and conducting elections for parliamentary and assembly constituencies. Shukla’s office, located at Block No. 7, Second Floor, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, serves as a critical link between the electoral machinery and citizens

Key responsibilities include:

  • Electoral Roll Management: Ensuring accurate and up-to-date voter lists, issuing photo-identity cards (EPIC), and maintaining election records
  • Election Conduct: Supervising nomination processes, symbol allocation, ballot paper printing, and polling station operations
  • Voter Awareness: Implementing programs like the Electors Verification Program to enhance voter participation
  • Local Body Elections: Overseeing elections for municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats, as mandated by the Gujarat State Election Commission, established in September 1993

Key Contributions: Strengthening Democracy and Development

Since taking over as CEO in July 2024, Shukla has focused on modernizing electoral processes and enhancing voter engagement. His initiatives include:

  • Voter Roll Updation: Streamlining the process for updating electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and inclusivity, critical for upcoming local body elections
  • Digital Integration: Leveraging technology to improve voter registration through platforms like the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP), now integrated with voters.eci.gov.in
  • Voter Awareness Campaigns: Expanding outreach programs to increase voter turnout, particularly among young and first-time voters.
  • Election Preparedness: Coordinating with district election officers to ensure robust infrastructure for polling stations, including electronic voting machines and ballot boxes

Beyond his current role, Shukla’s contributions in previous positions have been transformative. As Principal Secretary for Tourism, he spearheaded initiatives to promote Gujarat’s cultural heritage and pilgrimage sites, boosting tourism revenue. His work in the Science and Technology Department advanced e-governance, making public services more accessible. In land reforms, he simplified processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for citizens .

Vision and Leadership: A Holistic Approach

Shukla’s leadership is characterized by a blend of technical precision and administrative foresight. His IIT background informs his data-driven approach to governance, while his IAS experience equips him to navigate complex policy challenges. As CEO, he emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and technological integration in electoral processes, aligning with the ECI’s mandate for free and fair elections

His role at SPIPA reflects his commitment to nurturing future administrators, ensuring Gujarat’s administrative machinery remains robust. Shukla’s ability to manage diverse portfolios from tourism to elections—highlights his versatility and dedication to public service.

Challenges and Resilience

Shukla’s appointment as CEO came at a critical juncture, following P. Bharathi’s tenure during the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections. Taking over mid-2024, Shukla faced the challenge of preparing for local body elections while maintaining electoral integrity. His ability to transition from tourism and civil aviation to the high-stakes role of CEO demonstrates his adaptability and resilience.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Impact

Hareet Shukla’s journey from an IIT Delhi graduate to Gujarat’s Chief Electoral Officer exemplifies dedication, expertise, and a commitment to public service. His contributions to electoral management, tourism, science and technology, and land reforms have shaped Gujarat’s development trajectory. As he continues to lead the state’s electoral processes in 2025, Shukla remains a beacon of integrity and innovation, ensuring that Gujarat’s democratic framework thrives.

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