IAS (1991, Bihar cadre) · Retired 30 November 2025
Principal Advisor to the Governor of Tamil Nadu
Former IAS officer of the 1991 Bihar batch and presently Principal Advisor to the Governor of Tamil Nadu. I have served as Development Commissioner of Bihar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance, Education, Home, Civil Aviation and General Administration departments.
An alumnus of IIT Delhi (B.Tech & PhD) and IIM Ahmedabad (MBA), I work at the meeting point of technology and governance — AI, e-governance, public finance and public policy. Away from work I am a wildlife photographer, painter, cartoonist, electronics hobbyist and trainee pilot.
A few of the reforms I led in the Government of Bihar.
Managed the finances of the State of Bihar for five years, including the Corona period, without any cut in salaries or payments. Designed and implemented the fully paperless, online Comprehensive Financial Management System (CFMS), digitalising financial processes across the state.
Led a comprehensive transformation of school education — teacher training, recruitment, attendance and quality. Implemented the world's largest biometric attendance system for a single organisation (nearly six lakh teachers, twice daily), built E-Shiksha Kosh, India's largest education ERP database, institutionalised social audits of schools, and set up a central Control & Command Centre for grievances.
Drafted the Bihar Urban Planning and Development Act 2014, its Rules, and the Bihar Building Bye-laws 2014. Initiated the DPR for the Patna Metro and the Master Plan for the Patna Metropolitan Area.
Drafted the Bihar Industrial Policy 2016, Bihar Investment Act & Rules 2016 and the Bihar Startup Policy 2017. Guided Ease of Doing Business reforms and worked across handlooms, handicrafts, silk and skill development.
Instrumental in developing the Darbhanga, Patna and Purnia airports, began development of state government airports and heliports, and revived the Bihar Flying Institute.
From district administration to the senior-most levels of the State and Central Government.
Boards on which I have served as Director, Nominee Director or Managing Director.
Patliputra University, Bihar
Banaras Hindu University
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi