Mona K. Khandhar, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1996 Gujarat cadre, has left an indelible mark on the state’s administrative landscape. As the Principal Secretary to the Government of Gujarat in the Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department, she has driven transformative policies to empower rural communities, strengthen local governance, and promote sustainable development. With over 25 years of service, Khandhar’s journey from a top-ranking civil servant to a key architect of Gujarat’s rural and economic progress is a testament to her intellect, dedication, and leadership. This biography explores her life, career, and contributions, highlighting her pivotal role in shaping Gujarat’s future.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Excellence
Born in Gujarat, Mona K. Khandhar grew up in an environment that valued education and public service. Her academic brilliance was evident early on, culminating in an outstanding performance in the Civil Services Examination, where she secured the 7th rank nationwide and emerged as the top-ranking female candidate in her batch. This achievement underscored her intellectual prowess and set the stage for a remarkable career in the IAS.
Khandhar holds a postgraduate degree, though specific details about her academic specialization are not publicly available. Her rigorous education equipped her with the analytical skills and strategic thinking necessary to navigate the complexities of governance. Her early exposure to Gujarat’s diverse socio-economic landscape likely influenced her commitment to addressing rural challenges, a theme that has defined much of her career.
Entry into the IAS: A Stellar Beginning
Joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1996, Khandhar was assigned to the Gujarat cadre, where she quickly established herself as a dynamic and capable officer. Her early postings included grassroots roles such as District Development Officer and Municipal Commissioner, where she gained hands-on experience in local governance, infrastructure development, and public welfare. These roles honed her ability to address diverse challenges, from urban planning to rural upliftment, and laid the foundation for her future leadership positions.
Khandhar’s early career was marked by her ability to implement policies effectively and engage with communities at the grassroots level. Her empathetic approach and problem-solving skills earned her respect among colleagues and the public, setting her apart as a leader with both vision and execution capability.
Career Trajectory: A Versatile Administrator
Mona K. Khandhar’s career spans a wide range of sectors, reflecting her versatility and adaptability. Over the years, she has served in key departments, including Finance, Rural Development, Science and Technology, and Economic Affairs, each role contributing to her reputation as a strategic thinker and effective administrator. Below is an overview of her career progression:
Early Roles and Rural Development
In her initial years, Khandhar served as Commissioner of Rural Development and Secretary in the Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department. During this period, she focused on implementing schemes like the Sardar Patel Awas Yojana, aimed at providing housing for landless agricultural laborers and village artisans living below the poverty line. Her efforts helped strengthen Gujarat’s rural infrastructure and empower local self-governance institutions, aligning with the Gujarat Panchayats Act of 1993, which was enacted to bolster the state’s panchayati raj system following the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
International Assignment: Minister (Economics and Commerce), Embassy of India, Tokyo
In July 2019, Khandhar was appointed by the Government of India’s Appointments Committee of the Cabinet as Minister (Economics and Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Tokyo. This prestigious role showcased her ability to represent India on an international stage, fostering economic and trade relations between India and Japan. She served in this capacity until her repatriation to the Gujarat cadre in 2022, bringing back valuable insights into global economic trends and diplomacy.
Principal Secretary, Finance Department (Economic Affairs)
Upon her return to Gujarat, Khandhar was appointed Principal Secretary to the Government, Finance Department (Economic Affairs), Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, in December 2022. In this role, she also served as the Head of Structure/Arrangement for the G-20 Summit Meetings committees, created by the Industries and Mines Department, highlighting her strategic role in Gujarat’s global outreach efforts. Her tenure in the Finance Department focused on economic policy formulation, fiscal management, and attracting investments to the state.
Principal Secretary, Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development
In June 2023, Khandhar was transferred to the Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department as Principal Secretary, a role she continues to hold as of June 2025. She also held the additional charge of Revenue Inspection Commissioner and Ex-Officio Principal Secretary to the Revenue Department until further orders, relieving Jenu Devan, IAS, of the additional charge. Her responsibilities include shaping policies for rural self-governance, overseeing housing schemes, and implementing e-governance initiatives to enhance service delivery in Gujarat’s 14,181 gram panchayats, making the state a leader in providing e-services to rural areas.
Principal Secretary, Science and Technology (Until February 2025)
Khandhar held the additional charge of Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), until February 2025, when she was officially designated as its Principal Secretary. During this period, she oversaw initiatives like geophysical and geological investigations for mineral exploration in Ambaji, Banaskantha district. In February 2025, she was relieved of her responsibilities in the Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department, with Manisha Chandra, IAS, succeeding her as Secretary of the department.
Chairman, Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board
In November 2024, Khandhar was appointed Chairman of the Gujarat Panchayat Seva Pasandagi Mandal (Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board), succeeding retired IPS officer Hasmukh Patel. She continues to hold this role alongside her current responsibilities, overseeing recruitment for the Panchayat department and ensuring merit-based selections.
Key Contributions and Achievements
Mona K. Khandhar’s career is defined by her transformative contributions to Gujarat’s governance and development. Below are some of her notable achievements:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Strengthening Rural Governance | As Principal Secretary of the Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department, Khandhar has driven policies to empower gram panchayats, including the implementation of e-services across 14,181 gram panchayats, making Gujarat the only state in India with such extensive digital infrastructure. She has also overseen the Sardar Patel Awas Yojana, providing housing to marginalized rural communities. |
| Economic Diplomacy | During her tenure in Tokyo, Khandhar strengthened India-Japan economic ties, promoting trade and investment opportunities. Her international experience enriched her perspective on global economic trends, which she applied to her roles in Gujarat’s Finance and Industries departments. |
| Leadership in G-20 Summit Preparations | As Head of Structure/Arrangement for the G-20 Summit Meetings in Gujarat, Khandhar played a key role in showcasing the state as a global investment destination, aligning with the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit’s objectives. |
| Advancing Science and Technology | As Principal Secretary of DST, Khandhar spearheaded initiatives to promote scientific research and technological innovation, including mineral exploration projects that support Gujarat’s industrial growth. |
| Panchayat Recruitment Reforms | As Chairman of the Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board, Khandhar has streamlined recruitment processes, ensuring transparency and efficiency in staffing the state’s panchayat system. |
Challenges and Leadership Style
Khandhar’s career has not been without challenges. Navigating the complexities of rural governance, balancing economic development with social equity, and managing high-stakes international assignments require a unique blend of strategic vision and empathy. Her leadership style is characterized by a data-driven approach, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to inclusive development. Colleagues describe her as approachable, decisive, and adept at fostering collaboration across departments.
Her tenure in the Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department coincided with efforts to strengthen the panchayati raj system in line with the Gujarat Panchayats Act of 1993. This involved addressing challenges such as ensuring equitable resource allocation, enhancing digital connectivity in rural areas, and empowering women in local governance. Khandhar’s focus on e-governance has been particularly impactful, enabling Gujarat to lead the nation in providing digital services to gram panchayats.
Current Role and Future Vision
As of June 2025, Mona K. Khandhar serves as the Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and Chairman of the Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board. Her role in DST involves promoting scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable development, aligning with Gujarat’s ambition to become a hub for knowledge-driven industries. Her leadership in the Panchayat Service Selection Board continues to ensure efficient and transparent recruitment, strengthening the administrative backbone of Gujarat’s rural governance.
Looking ahead, Khandhar is poised to play a critical role in advancing Gujarat’s scientific and technological landscape while maintaining her commitment to public service. Her vision includes leveraging technology to bridge urban-rural divides, fostering sustainable development, and empowering local communities through effective governance.
Personal Insights
While Khandhar maintains a low profile regarding her personal life, her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to public welfare and excellence. Her ability to excel in diverse roles from rural development to international diplomacy demonstrates her adaptability and resilience. Her academic background, combined with her experience in governance, positions her as a role model for aspiring civil servants, particularly women in leadership.
Conclusion
Mona K. Khandhar’s journey from a top-ranking IAS officer to a transformative leader in Gujarat’s administration is a story of dedication, intellect, and impact. Her contributions to rural development, economic policy, and scientific innovation have positioned Gujarat as a leader in governance and development. As she continues to shape the state’s future, Khandhar remains a beacon of excellence, inspiring the next generation of administrators to serve with purpose and vision.