• Key Points:
• Shri Raj Kumar, a 1987-batch IAS officer, served as the 31st Chief Secretary of Gujarat from January 2023 to January 2025.
• Born in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, he holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur.
• His career spans key roles in Gujarat and central government, including Secretary, Defence Production (2020-2021).
• Notable achievements include unbundling the Ordnance Factories Board and representing India in global organizations like the World Bank and IMF.
• He retired on January 7, 2025, leaving a legacy of efficient governance and policy innovation.

Who is Shri Raj Kumar?
Shri Raj Kumar is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who served as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, based in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, until his retirement in January 2025. Known for his strategic leadership and commitment to public service, he played a pivotal role in shaping Gujarat’s administrative landscape and contributed significantly to national initiatives like ‘Make in India’.

Career Highlights
Raj Kumar’s career is marked by diverse roles, from district administration to high-level policy-making. His tenure as Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Chief Secretary in Gujarat focused on law and order, internal security, and economic development. At the national level, his work in defense production strengthened India’s self-reliance. His international engagements with organizations like the Asian Development Bank further highlight his global influence.

Why It Matters
Shri Kumar’s work exemplifies how dedicated public servants can drive progress in governance. His contributions to Gujarat’s administration and India’s defense sector underscore the importance of efficient, transparent leadership in public service.

Biography of Shri Raj Kumar: A Beacon of Public Service

Shri Raj Kumar, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1987 Gujarat cadre, served as the 31st Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat from January 31, 2023, until his retirement on January 7, 2025. Born on January 6, 1965, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, his journey from a small town to the pinnacle of state administration is a testament to his intellect, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public welfare. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Shri Kumar left an indelible mark on governance, defense production, and international relations, earning accolades for his strategic vision and integrity.

Early Life and Education

Born into a family that valued education, Shri Raj Kumar grew up in Badaun, a district in Uttar Pradesh known for its rich cultural heritage. From an early age, he displayed a keen intellect and a passion for learning. His academic journey led him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Electrical Engineering. This rigorous technical education equipped him with analytical skills that would later define his approach to complex administrative challenges.

To further enhance his expertise, Shri Kumar pursued a Master’s in Public Policy at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan, in 2004. His time at GRIPS not only broadened his understanding of global governance but also earned him the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, a recognition of his outstanding scholarship. This blend of technical and policy expertise set the stage for a remarkable career in public administration.

Entry into the Indian Administrative Service

In 1987, Shri Raj Kumar cleared the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, securing a place in the Indian Administrative Service and joining the Gujarat cadre. His first posting as an Assistant Collector from September 1989 to July 1991 introduced him to the intricacies of district administration. During this period, he worked closely with local communities, gaining grassroots experience that would shape his empathetic and pragmatic approach to governance.

Over the years, Shri Kumar served in various capacities across Gujarat, earning a reputation for efficiency and fairness. His early roles included positions in district administration, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership, culminating in the Best Collector Award from the Government of Gujarat in August 1999. This accolade recognized his ability to manage complex administrative tasks while fostering community trust and development.

Key Roles in Gujarat

Shri Kumar’s career in Gujarat saw him take on increasingly significant responsibilities. Before his appointment as Chief Secretary, he served as the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), a role he assumed in December 2021 upon his repatriation from central deputation. In this capacity, he was responsible for maintaining law and order, overseeing internal security, and coordinating with various agencies to ensure the safety of Gujarat’s citizens. His tenure was marked by a focus on strengthening security infrastructure and promoting public safety initiatives.

Additionally, Shri Kumar held the additional charge of the Industries and Mines Department, where he contributed to policies aimed at boosting industrial growth and economic development in Gujarat. His ability to manage multiple portfolios with finesse underscored his versatility and administrative acumen.

As Chief Secretary from January 2023 to January 2025, Shri Kumar was the linchpin of Gujarat’s administrative machinery. Based in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, he coordinated between departments, implemented state policies, and worked closely with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to advance Gujarat’s development agenda. His leadership was instrumental in aligning state initiatives with national goals, such as economic growth and sustainable development, as outlined in the Gujarat@2047 roadmap presented at the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting in 2024 .

Central Deputation and National Impact

In April 2015, Shri Kumar was sent on central deputation, marking a significant phase in his career. Over nearly six years, he served in key roles across multiple ministries, including Finance, Labour & Employment, and Defence. One of his most impactful positions was as Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in New Delhi, where he worked to improve healthcare and social security services for millions of workers across India.

His most notable contribution came as Secretary, Department of Defence Production, from 2020 to 2021. During this period, he spearheaded the unbundling of the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) into seven corporate entities, a transformative step towards modernizing India’s defense manufacturing sector. This initiative, part of the ‘Make in India’ campaign, enhanced efficiency and promoted self-reliance in defense production, earning him widespread recognition.

Shri Kumar’s international contributions were equally significant. He represented India in prestigious global organizations, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), New Development Bank (NDB), and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). His engagements on these platforms showcased his expertise in economic policy and strengthened India’s position in global financial and developmental discussions.

Awards and Recognitions

Shri Kumar’s exemplary service has been honored with several prestigious awards:

Award	Institution	Year	Description
Best Collector Award	Government of Gujarat	1999	Recognized for outstanding performance in district administration.
Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence	GRIPS, Japan	2004	Awarded for exceptional scholarship in public policy studies.

These accolades reflect his commitment to excellence in both administrative and academic spheres, cementing his reputation as a leader of distinction.

Personal Life and Character

Shri Raj Kumar is widely respected for his humility, integrity, and dedication to public service. Colleagues describe him as a meticulous administrator with a calm demeanor, capable of navigating complex challenges with ease. While he maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, it is known that he hails from Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, and has consistently prioritized his professional responsibilities over personal publicity.

His ability to balance technical expertise with a human-centric approach to governance has made him a role model for aspiring civil servants. His tenure as Chief Secretary was marked by a collaborative leadership style, fostering trust and coordination among Gujarat’s administrative ranks.

Retirement and Legacy

Shri Raj Kumar retired from the Indian Administrative Service on January 7, 2025, after a distinguished career that spanned over 35 years. His contributions to Gujarat’s governance, India’s defense sector, and international policy discussions have left a lasting legacy. As Chief Secretary, he played a critical role in advancing Gujarat’s development goals, while his work at the national level strengthened India’s strategic and economic frameworks.

His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact continues to inspire the next generation of administrators. Shri Kumar’s career serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of dedicated public service, blending technical expertise with a deep commitment to the public good.