Key Points:
- Mamta Verma, a 1996 batch IAS officer, serves as Principal Secretary to the Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, as of August 2024.
- She holds an MA in Psychology and a Post Graduation in Physiology, blending human insight with scientific rigor.
- Her career spans over two decades, with roles in industrial development, urban planning, tourism, and energy sectors.
- Known for her leadership in key positions, she has significantly contributed to Gujarat’s industrial and economic growth.
- Her current role positions her to drive Gujarat’s industrial policies, fostering sustainable development in a highly industrialized state.
Who is Mamta Verma?
Mamta Verma is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1996 Gujarat cadre, currently serving as the Principal Secretary to the Industries and Mines Department in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Appointed in August 2024, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the industrial landscape of one of India’s most economically vibrant states. With a robust academic background and extensive experience across diverse sectors, Verma has earned a reputation as a dynamic and effective administrator.
Educational Background
Verma’s academic foundation includes an MA in Psychology and a Post Graduation in Physiology, equipping her with a unique perspective that combines understanding human behavior with analytical precision. This blend likely informs her empathetic yet methodical approach to governance, making her adept at addressing complex administrative challenges.
Career Highlights
Verma’s career is marked by a series of high-impact roles. She has served as Commissioner of Industries, Secretary of Tourism and Pilgrimage, CEO of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar Urban Development Authorities, and Principal Secretary of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department. Her contributions have been instrumental in promoting industrial growth, urban development, and sustainable energy policies in Gujarat.
Current Role and Impact
As Principal Secretary of the Industries and Mines Department, Verma oversees policies that drive entrepreneurship and industrial expansion. Her leadership is expected to further strengthen Gujarat’s position as a hub for small, medium, and large-scale industries, aligning with the state’s economic goals.
Mamta Verma’s Journey as Principal Secretary of Industries and Mines, Gujarat
Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of Gujarat’s bureaucracy, Mamta Verma stands out as a beacon of leadership and resilience. A 1996 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Gujarat cadre, she was appointed Principal Secretary to the Industries and Mines Department in August 2024, a role that places her at the forefront of one of India’s most industrially progressive states. With a career spanning over two decades, Verma has navigated diverse domains from grassroots governance to high-level policy-making—leaving an indelible mark on Gujarat’s development. Her journey, rooted in academic excellence and driven by a commitment to public service, is a testament to her ability to transform vision into tangible progress.
Early Life and Education
Mamta Verma’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career. She holds an MA in Psychology, which has equipped her with a deep understanding of human behavior, a critical asset in navigating the complexities of public administration. Additionally, her Post Graduation in Physiology reflects her scientific rigor, enabling her to approach challenges with precision and clarity. While specific details about her early life are not widely documented, her educational background suggests a blend of empathy and analytical thinking, qualities that have defined her leadership style.
Her academic credentials likely played a significant role in her preparation for the rigorous IAS examination, which she cleared in 1996, joining the Gujarat cadre. This marked the beginning of a career dedicated to public service, where she would leverage her education to address multifaceted governance challenges.
Early Career: Building a Foundation
Mamta Verma’s entry into the Indian Administrative Service marked the start of a remarkable journey. Her early roles as a Collector and District Development Officer provided her with firsthand experience in grassroots governance. These positions required her to engage directly with communities, address local issues, and implement development programs, honing her skills in public administration and stakeholder management.
As a Collector, Verma was responsible for overseeing district administration, ensuring the effective implementation of government policies, and addressing public grievances. Her tenure as a District Development Officer further deepened her understanding of rural development, where she likely focused on infrastructure, education, and healthcare initiatives. These early experiences shaped her ability to balance administrative efficiency with people-centric governance, a hallmark of her career.
Rise Through the Ranks
Verma’s career trajectory is a testament to her versatility and competence. Over the years, she has held a series of high-profile positions, each contributing to her reputation as a capable and forward-thinking administrator. Her roles have spanned industrial development, urban planning, tourism, and energy, reflecting her ability to adapt to diverse sectors.
Commissioner of Industries
One of Verma’s most significant roles was as Commissioner of Industries, a position she held for an extended period. In this capacity, she was the nodal officer for industrial development in Gujarat, a state renowned for its robust industrial ecosystem. Her efforts focused on attracting investments, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating the growth of small, medium, and large-scale industries. Under her leadership, Gujarat strengthened its position as a preferred destination for industrialists, with initiatives that streamlined processes for setting up businesses and fostered a conducive environment for economic growth.
Secretary of Tourism and Pilgrimage
As Secretary of Tourism and Pilgrimage, Verma played a pivotal role in enhancing Gujarat’s tourism sector. She oversaw initiatives to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and pilgrimage destinations. Her work likely included improving infrastructure, such as better connectivity to tourist spots, and organizing events to boost tourism. These efforts contributed to the state’s economy by creating jobs and attracting visitors, both domestic and international.
CEO of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar Urban Development Authorities
Verma’s tenure as CEO of the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority (GUDA) showcased her expertise in urban planning. In these roles, she was responsible for the planned development of two of Gujarat’s most important cities. Her leadership ensured sustainable urban growth, with a focus on infrastructure development, housing, and public amenities. Her work in AUDA and GUDA likely involved coordinating large-scale projects, regulating real estate, and improving the quality of life for residents, cementing her reputation as a visionary in urban governance.
Principal Secretary, Energy and Petrochemicals Department
Before her current role, Verma served as Principal Secretary of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, a critical portfolio given Gujarat’s significant energy and petrochemical industries. In this position, she oversaw policies related to power generation, distribution, and renewable energy. Her initiatives likely aligned with national goals for sustainable development, promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources and ensuring energy security for the state. Her strategic oversight helped maintain Gujarat’s position as a leader in the energy sector.
Director in Public Sector Undertakings
Verma’s expertise extended to the corporate governance of state-owned enterprises. She served as a Rotational Director on the board of Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals (GSFC) Limited in 2021 and as an Additional Director on the board of Gujarat Gas Limited in 2023. These roles highlighted her ability to contribute to strategic decision-making in large organizations, ensuring their alignment with state objectives. Her involvement in these PSUs underscored her deep understanding of the energy and industrial sectors, further enhancing her credentials as a multifaceted administrator.
Current Role: Principal Secretary, Industries and Mines Department
In August 2024, Mamta Verma was appointed Principal Secretary to the Industries and Mines Department, succeeding S.J. Haider . This role places her at the helm of Gujarat’s industrial policy, a critical responsibility in a state known for its industrial prowess. The Industries and Mines Department is tasked with promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating industrial growth, and overseeing mineral exploration and mining activities .
Verma’s appointment is particularly significant given Gujarat’s status as a hub for small, medium, and large-scale industries. Her role involves framing policies to attract investments, streamline regulatory processes, and foster sustainable industrial development. She also oversees the Commissioner of Geology and Mining, which manages mineral exploration and policy, further expanding her influence on the state’s economic landscape.
Her second stint in the Industries and Mines Department—she previously served as Secretary in 2019—reflects the confidence that the Gujarat government places in her abilities. Her prior experience as Commissioner of Industries equips her with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of this portfolio, ensuring continuity and progress in Gujarat’s industrial agenda.
Contributions and Impact
Mamta Verma’s contributions to Gujarat’s development are wide-ranging and impactful. As Commissioner of Industries, she played a key role in implementing policies that attracted significant investments, positioning Gujarat as a preferred destination for industrialists. Her efforts likely included facilitating the setup of industrial parks, streamlining approvals, and supporting entrepreneurship, which contributed to job creation and economic growth.
In her role as Secretary of Tourism and Pilgrimage, Verma focused on enhancing Gujarat’s tourism infrastructure. She likely oversaw projects to improve connectivity to key destinations, such as the Gir Forest, Somnath Temple, and Dwarka, boosting the state’s tourism revenue and creating employment opportunities. Her work in this sector helped showcase Gujarat’s cultural and spiritual heritage on a national and global stage.
As CEO of AUDA and GUDA, Verma’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the urban landscape of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Her initiatives likely included developing sustainable infrastructure, improving public transportation, and ensuring equitable access to urban amenities. These efforts enhanced the quality of life for residents and positioned these cities as models of planned urban development.
In the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, Verma’s policies promoted energy security and sustainability. She likely championed initiatives to expand renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, aligning with India’s broader goals for a green energy transition. Her strategic oversight ensured that Gujarat remained a leader in the energy sector, supporting both industrial and domestic needs.
Her roles as a director in PSUs like Gujarat Gas Limited and GSFC Limited brought her expertise to the corporate sphere. She contributed to strategic decision-making, ensuring that these organizations operated efficiently and aligned with state priorities. Her involvement in these PSUs underscored her ability to bridge public administration and corporate governance.
Leadership and Vision
Mamta Verma is widely regarded as a meticulous and approachable leader. Her background in psychology likely informs her empathetic approach to governance, ensuring that policies are people-centric and inclusive. Her scientific training in physiology contributes to her methodical problem-solving, enabling her to tackle complex administrative challenges with precision.
In Gandhinagar’s corridors of power, Verma is recognized as one of the few officers who has consistently held critical positions over the past 15 years (The Secretariat). Her ability to navigate bureaucratic complexities and deliver results has earned her the trust of the Gujarat government. Colleagues describe her as a hands-on leader who is open to new ideas, fostering collaboration and innovation in her teams.
Future Directions
As Principal Secretary of the Industries and Mines Department, Mamta Verma is well-positioned to drive Gujarat’s industrial agenda in a rapidly changing global economy. Her experience across industrial, urban, and energy sectors equips her to address challenges such as post-pandemic economic recovery, global supply chain disruptions, and the shift toward sustainable industries. Her leadership will likely focus on promoting green technologies, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusive growth that benefits all sections of society.
Verma’s vision for Gujarat aligns with the state’s ambition to remain a leader in industrial and economic development. Her strategic initiatives are expected to strengthen Gujarat’s position as a hub for manufacturing, technology, and mining, while also addressing environmental and social considerations.
Conclusion
Mamta Verma’s journey from grassroots governance to a key leadership role in Gujarat’s bureaucracy is a story of dedication, expertise, and impact. Her diverseburgoise career spans diverse domains, from urban planning to industrial policy, reflecting her versatility as an administrator. As she takes on the challenges of the Industries and Mines Department, her experience and vision will be instrumental in shaping Gujarat’s economic future. Mamta Verma’s legacy is one of transformative leadership, and her contributions continue to inspire aspiring administrators across India.