Ravi Shankar’s ascent to the position of Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, is a testament to his dedication, administrative acumen, and commitment to public service. As a 2007 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, Shankar has built a distinguished career marked by strategic leadership and impactful contributions to India’s governance framework. His journey from grassroots administration to a pivotal role in New Delhi reflects a blend of technical expertise, policy insight, and a deep-rooted desire to serve the nation. This biography explores his life, career, and contributions, offering an engaging and comprehensive portrait of a leader shaping India’s food security and public distribution systems.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Public Service
Ravi Shankar was born in Gujarat, India, in the late 1970s, a time when India was navigating significant socio-economic transformations. Growing up in a family that valued education and service, Shankar was instilled with a sense of responsibility and a drive to contribute to society. His early years were marked by a keen interest in academics, particularly in the sciences and social studies, which laid the groundwork for his future in public administration.
Shankar pursued his higher education with diligence, earning a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree, which equipped him with a strong technical foundation. To complement his technical skills with managerial expertise, he went on to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This dual academic background in engineering and management provided him with a unique perspective, blending analytical rigor with strategic thinking qualities that would later define his administrative career. His educational journey, rooted in Gujarat’s vibrant academic institutions, prepared him for the challenges of the Indian Administrative Service.
Entry into the IAS: A Commitment to Nation-Building
In 2007, Ravi Shankar cleared the highly competitive Civil Services Examination, securing a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as part of the Gujarat cadre. His entry into the IAS marked the beginning of a career dedicated to public welfare and governance. As a young officer, Shankar was known for his hands-on approach and ability to navigate complex administrative challenges with ease.
His early postings in Gujarat provided him with a deep understanding of grassroots governance. He served in various capacities across districts, tackling issues ranging from rural development to infrastructure management. One of his notable early roles was as Chief Administrator of the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA) in Kevadia, Gujarat. In this capacity, Shankar played a pivotal role in overseeing the administration and development of one of India’s most ambitious tourism projects, ensuring its alignment with both local needs and national objectives.
Shankar also held key positions such as Director (Administration) at Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd., Vadodara, and Joint Managing Director at Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd., Gandhinagar. These roles honed his skills in managing large-scale projects, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and driving policy implementation in critical sectors like energy and water resource management. His work in Gujarat earned him a reputation as a results-oriented officer with a knack for balancing administrative efficiency with public welfare.
Transition to Central Governance: Director, Department of Food and Public Distribution
In 2023, Ravi Shankar’s career took a significant leap when he was appointed as Director in the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Central Staffing Scheme, a prestigious assignment that brought him to New Delhi. This role marked his transition from state-level administration to a national platform, where he could influence policies impacting millions of Indians. As Director, Shankar was responsible for overseeing key aspects of India’s public distribution system, including the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme.
His tenure as Director was marked by efforts to streamline food distribution processes, enhance transparency, and ensure that food subsidies reached the intended beneficiaries. Shankar’s technical background proved invaluable in leveraging technology to improve the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). He played a key role in advancing the digitization of ration card services, ensuring seamless access to food grains for migrant workers and marginalized communities through the ONORC initiative.
Elevation to Joint Secretary: A Leadership Role in Food Security
In March 2024, Ravi Shankar was empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts, and by 2025, he was appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, a position he holds for a five-year tenure. This elevation reflects his proven track record and the confidence placed in him by the Government of India to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges in food security and public distribution.
As Joint Secretary, Shankar oversees critical policy areas, including food grain procurement, storage, and distribution, as well as the management of India’s food subsidy programs. His role involves close coordination with state governments, the Food Corporation of India (FCI), and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of schemes like the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Under his leadership, the department has focused on modernizing grain storage facilities, reducing wastage, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
One of Shankar’s notable contributions has been his work on strengthening the ONORC scheme, which has revolutionized food security by enabling ration card portability across India. His efforts have ensured that millions of beneficiaries, particularly migrant workers, can access subsidized food grains regardless of their location. In 2025, the department’s toll-free numbers (1967 and 14445) became critical tools for addressing grievances and providing support to beneficiaries, a system Shankar has actively supported to enhance transparency and accountability.
Navigating Challenges: A Vision for Resilience
The Department of Food and Public Distribution faces complex challenges, from managing food inflation to addressing logistical bottlenecks in grain distribution. Shankar’s tenure has been marked by a proactive approach to these issues. He has championed the use of data analytics and technology to optimize supply chains, ensuring that food grains reach remote and underserved areas efficiently. His leadership has also been instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, which affects agricultural productivity and food security.
In 2025, Shankar played a key role in coordinating with the Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI) in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, to enhance research and training in grain storage techniques. His efforts have focused on reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality of stored food grains, critical for maintaining India’s food security framework.
A Broader Impact: Diplomacy and Global Engagement
Beyond his contributions to food security, Shankar’s career reflects a broader commitment to public service. His diplomatic experience, including his tenure as High Commissioner of India to Uganda (2017–2020) and various roles in Indian missions in Paris, Tunis, Hanoi, and Rome, has equipped him with a global perspective on governance. As Joint Secretary, he has leveraged this experience to strengthen India’s engagement with international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to align national policies with global best practices in food security.
Shankar’s diplomatic assignments have also included roles such as Chief Staff Officer to the Minister of State for External Affairs (2006–2009) and Additional Secretary for Southeast Asian countries (2022–2024). These experiences have enriched his understanding of multilateral cooperation, which he now applies to his work in ensuring food security for India’s 1.4 billion people.
Personal Life and Values
Ravi Shankar is married to Akanksha Shankar, and the couple has a daughter and a son. Despite his demanding career, Shankar remains grounded in his values of integrity, empathy, and service. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds whether bureaucrats, farmers, or international delegates has made him a respected figure in both administrative and diplomatic circles.
Shankar’s educational background in technology and management continues to influence his approach to governance. He is known for his ability to break down complex policy issues into actionable solutions, making him a trusted advisor to senior policymakers. His colleagues describe him as a collaborative leader who values teamwork and fosters an environment of innovation and accountability.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
As Joint Secretary, Ravi Shankar is at the forefront of shaping India’s food security policies in a rapidly changing world. His vision includes leveraging technology to modernize the PDS, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring equitable access to food for all Indians. With India’s economy projected to grow significantly by 2047, Shankar’s work in strengthening the food distribution system will play a critical role in supporting the nation’s development goals.
Shankar’s journey from a young IAS officer in Gujarat to a key policymaker in New Delhi is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to lead initiatives that impact millions of lives, his legacy as a public servant dedicated to nation-building grows stronger with each passing day.