IAS Rajesh Aggarwal Returns to Maharashtra as Additional Chief Secretary — A Technocrat Bureaucrat Poised to Drive Innovation and Good Governance
After Over a Decade at the Centre, Rajesh Aggarwal Comes Home
Seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Rajesh Aggarwal, belonging to the 1989 batch of the Maharashtra cadre, has rejoined the state administration after serving more than ten years at the Central government. The Maharashtra government has appointed him as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Innovation and Good Governance in the General Administration Department (GAD).
Distinguished Career at the Centre
During his long tenure at the Centre, Aggarwal served as Secretary in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Widely recognized for his pragmatic and results-oriented administrative approach, he played a key role in national programs advancing digital governance, inclusion, and citizen-focused reforms.
His contributions helped streamline government services through technology, improve accessibility, and enhance the efficiency of public delivery systems.
Track Record of Reforms in Maharashtra
Before his Central deputation, Aggarwal served in several pivotal roles in Maharashtra, notably as Principal Secretary, Information Technology Department. During his tenure, he spearheaded major e-governance and administrative transformation projects, creating a robust digital ecosystem that brought government services closer to citizens.
His leadership in leveraging technology for transparency, accountability, and efficiency left a lasting impact on the state’s governance framework.
A Potential Successor to the Chief Secretary
Aggarwal’s return to the state comes at a critical juncture, with Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar’s extended term nearing its conclusion later this month.
According to senior bureaucratic officials, Aggarwal is considered a strong contender for the Chief Secretary’s position. However, any decision on this front may be deferred until after the local body election code of conduct is lifted, as major administrative reshuffles are generally avoided during that period.
Leading Maharashtra’s Next Phase of Administrative Modernization
As the Additional Chief Secretary for Innovation and Good Governance, Aggarwal is expected to drive policy innovation, administrative efficiency, and transparency initiatives across departments.
His unique blend of state and central experience makes him well-positioned to strengthen Maharashtra’s governance model and enhance citizen trust in public institutions.
The appointment reflects the state government’s continued focus on leadership stability, reform-oriented governance, and the modernization of administrative systems.
Technocrat with Vision and Purpose
Born on November 12, 1966, Rajesh Aggarwal is an alumnus of IIT Delhi, where he completed his B.Tech. in Computer Science in 1987. Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination at just 22, he brought a strong technological perspective into public administration.
His pioneering work as Secretary, IT Department, Maharashtra (2011–2015), led to the creation of pathbreaking digital platforms like DigiLocker, Jeevan Pramaan, and several other e-governance systems that reshaped citizen service delivery.
He also played a crucial role in cyber law adjudication, delivering over 70 rulings under the IT Act, a contribution that significantly influenced India’s early digital jurisprudence.
In Essence
Rajesh Aggarwal’s return signals Maharashtra’s intent to reinforce innovation, transparency, and data-driven administration. A blend of technological insight and bureaucratic experience, his leadership promises to drive the next phase of digital transformation and good governance in the state.
