- Name: Kamal Dayani, IAS officer of the 1990 batch, Gujarat cadre.
- Current Role: Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department (Personnel), Government of Gujarat; Managing Director, Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC).
- Background: Born on July 25, 1965, in Kota, Rajasthan, with a B.E. in Electronics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management.
- Career: Over 34 years of experience in public administration, serving in key departments like Revenue, Industries, and Power.
- Retirement: Scheduled for July 26, 2025.
Kamal Dayani is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who has significantly shaped Gujarat’s administrative and economic landscape. Currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary in the General Administration Department (Personnel) and Managing Director of Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC), Dayani’s career reflects a blend of technical expertise and administrative excellence. His work across various government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) suggests a deep commitment to public service and policy innovation. As he nears retirement in July 2025, his contributions continue to influence Gujarat’s governance.
Early Life and Education
Born in Kota, Rajasthan, Kamal Dayani pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Management. This combination of technical and managerial education likely provided a strong foundation for his multifaceted career in public administration.
Career Highlights
Dayani joined the IAS in 1990 and has since held numerous critical roles in Gujarat’s government. His experience spans departments like Industries, Revenue, Power, and Civil Supply, showcasing his versatility. He has also served as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister from 2021 to 2025, indicating his pivotal role in high-level decision-making.
Corporate Leadership
Beyond government roles, Dayani chairs several PSUs, including Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited, Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd., and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. His leadership in these organizations highlights his ability to bridge public administration with corporate governance, particularly in the energy and fertilizer sectors.
Legacy
While specific achievements are not widely documented, Dayani’s long tenure and leadership roles suggest he has played a key part in strengthening Gujarat’s administrative framework and economic growth. His retirement in 2025 will mark the end of a distinguished career dedicated to public welfare.
Kamal Dayani: A Pillar of Public Administration in Gujarat
Kamal Dayani, born on July 25, 1965, in Kota, Rajasthan, is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1990 batch, serving the Gujarat cadre. With over 34 years of experience, he has emerged as a key figure in Gujarat’s administrative and economic spheres. Currently, he holds the position of Additional Chief Secretary to the General Administration Department (Personnel) at Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, and serves as the Managing Director of Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC). As he approaches his retirement on July 26, 2025, Dayani’s career stands as a testament to his dedication to public service, policy innovation, and corporate governance.
Early Life and Education
Hailing from a well-established family in Kota, Rajasthan, Kamal Dayani’s early life was rooted in a community known for its cultural and educational heritage. While specific details about his family background remain private, his academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence. Dayani pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, equipping him with a strong technical foundation. He further enhanced his qualifications with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, which likely honed his skills in strategic decision-making and leadership. This blend of technical and managerial expertise set the stage for his illustrious career in public administration.
Entry into the Indian Administrative Service
Kamal Dayani joined the Indian Administrative Service on August 20, 1990, as part of the Gujarat cadre. His entry into the IAS marked the beginning of a career characterized by versatility and impact. Over the years, he has served in various capacities across a wide spectrum of government departments, both at the state and national levels. His roles have included critical areas such as Industries, Revenue, General Administration, Power, and Civil Supply, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex administrative challenges.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Dayani’s career is marked by a series of high-profile postings that underscore his competence and trustworthiness within the Gujarat government. Below is a detailed overview of his significant roles:
Current Role: Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department (Personnel)
As the Additional Chief Secretary to the General Administration Department (Personnel) at Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, Dayani oversees critical aspects of personnel management within the Gujarat government. This role involves managing human resources, policy implementation, and administrative coordination, ensuring the smooth functioning of the state’s bureaucratic machinery. His leadership in this capacity has been pivotal in maintaining efficient governance structures.
Managing Director, Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC)
In addition to his administrative duties, Dayani serves as the Managing Director of Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC). This role highlights his ability to bridge public administration with corporate leadership. GSFC is a leading player in the fertilizer and chemical industry, and Dayani’s strategic oversight has likely contributed to its operational success, though specific achievements are not publicly detailed.
Chairman of Multiple Public Sector Undertakings
Dayani holds chairmanship positions in several prominent public sector undertakings (PSUs) in Gujarat, including:
- Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited Group Companies
- Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.
- Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. (GNFC Board of Directors)
- Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited
- Indian Potash Limited
Additionally, he serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Gujarat State Petronet Limited, overseeing key operations in the energy and infrastructure sectors. These roles reflect his strategic leadership in critical industries that drive Gujarat’s economic growth.
Past Roles
Dayani’s career trajectory includes several notable postings:
- Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister (2021–2025): From September 2021 to January 2025, Dayani served as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, a role that placed him at the heart of Gujarat’s policy-making process. This position involved close coordination with the Chief Minister’s Office, highlighting his trusted status within the government.
- Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department: Prior to his current role, Dayani served as Additional Chief Secretary in the Revenue Department, where he managed land and revenue-related policies critical to Gujarat’s development.
- Principal Secretary, General Administration Department (Personnel): Before his promotion to Additional Chief Secretary in 2020, Dayani served as Principal Secretary in the same department, showcasing his long-standing expertise in personnel management .
- Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs: In 2019, he was transferred to this department, where he managed essential services related to food security and consumer welfare .
Contributions and Impact
While specific achievements are not extensively documented in public sources, Kamal Dayani’s extensive tenure and leadership roles suggest a profound impact on Gujarat’s administrative and economic landscape. His work in the General Administration Department has likely streamlined personnel management and policy implementation, ensuring efficient governance. His leadership in PSUs, particularly in the fertilizer and energy sectors, indicates a focus on strengthening industries vital to Gujarat’s economy. For instance, his role at GSFC and GNFC likely involves overseeing initiatives that enhance agricultural productivity through fertilizers and support energy infrastructure development.
Dayani’s participation in national and international training programs has enriched his expertise, allowing him to bring global best practices to his roles. His ability to manage both administrative and corporate responsibilities highlights his versatility and strategic vision. His contributions to policy innovation and corporate governance have positioned him as a leader with a lasting influence on Gujarat’s development.
Table: Key Career Milestones
| Year | Position | Department/Organization | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | IAS Officer | Gujarat Cadre | Began career in public administration |
| 2019 | Principal Secretary | Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs | Managed food security and consumer welfare |
| 2020 | Additional Chief Secretary | General Administration Department (Personnel) | Oversaw personnel management and policy implementation |
| 2021–2025 | Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister | Chief Minister’s Office | Coordinated high-level policy decisions |
| Current | Additional Chief Secretary | General Administration Department (Personnel) | Manages personnel and administrative coordination |
| Current | Managing Director | Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited | Leads strategic operations in the fertilizer industry |
| Current | Chairman | Multiple PSUs (GSPC, GNFC, etc.) | Provides strategic leadership in energy and infrastructure |
Retirement and Legacy
As Kamal Dayani approaches his retirement on July 26, 2025, his legacy in Gujarat’s bureaucracy is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to public welfare. His ability to navigate complex administrative challenges, coupled with his leadership in key industries, has left an indelible mark on the state. Dayani’s career serves as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants, demonstrating the impact of dedication, expertise, and strategic vision in public service.
Personal Life
Details about Kamal Dayani’s personal life, including his family and spouse, are not publicly available, reflecting his preference for privacy outside his professional roles. His roots in Kota, Rajasthan, and his educational achievements suggest a disciplined and focused individual who has balanced technical expertise with administrative acumen.