Senior Bureaucrat Sandeep Kumar Brings Two Decades of Administrative Experience to Strengthen GMDC’s Governance and Policy Expertise
The Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) has announced the induction of IAS officer Sandeep Kumar as a Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective January 22, 2026. The appointment, made under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, reflects the government’s intent to reinforce GMDC’s leadership with seasoned administrative expertise.
Government Order and Board Approval
The appointment was formalized through Government of Gujarat Office Order No. FD/OTH/e-file/4/2024/0356/A (BPE) dated January 22, 2026. By this order, Mr Kumar was designated as Secretary (Economic Affairs), Finance Department, Government of Gujarat, succeeding Ms. Arti Kanwar, IAS.
Following the government directive, GMDC’s Board of Directors approved his induction as a Non-Executive / Non-Independent Director via circular resolution. The company has clarified that the appointment will be placed before shareholders for formal approval, in line with statutory compliance requirements.
Continuity of Government Representation
Mr Kumar replaces Ms. Arti Kanwar on the GMDC Board, ensuring continuity of government representation in the state-owned enterprise. The change aligns with the latest administrative reshuffle within the Gujarat government and strengthens GMDC’s governance framework.
Profile of IAS Sandeep Kumar
Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Batch & Cadre: 2002 Batch, Gujarat Cadre
Date of Birth: January 1, 1976
Education: Graduate degree and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography
Languages: Fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati
In 2021, Mr Kumar was empanelled for the post of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Government of India level, underscoring his seniority and administrative credentials.
Current Role in Gujarat Government
As of January 2026, Mr Kumar serves as Secretary (Economic Affairs), Finance Department, Government of Gujarat, where he plays a pivotal role in economic planning, fiscal management, and policy coordination for the state.
Extensive Administrative Experience
With over two decades in public administration, Mr Kumar has held senior leadership positions across multiple critical sectors, including:
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Home Department
Power and Energy
Urban Development
Law and Order
Land Revenue Administration
District Administration and Rural Development
He has previously served as Secretary, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation Department, overseeing portfolios such as Animal Husbandry, Cow Breeding, Fisheries, and Co-operation. He also held the position of Commissioner of Cottage & Rural Industries and Secretary (Cottage & Rural Industries) under the Industries & Mines Department.
Engagement in Research and Innovation
Mr Kumar has actively contributed to research and innovation initiatives, including collaborations with institutions such as the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC). His involvement has focused on leveraging biotechnology and innovation for public sector development.
Regulatory and Compliance Disclosures
GMDC has confirmed that Mr Kumar is not related to any Director or Key Managerial Personnel of the company, as defined under SEBI LODR Regulations. The corporation further clarified that he has not been debarred by SEBI or any other statutory authority from holding the office of Director.
About GMDC
The Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC), headquartered at Khanij Bhavan, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, is a Government of Gujarat enterprise (CIN L14100GJ1963SGC001206). GMDC stated that Mr Kumar’s appointment strengthens its Board with deep expertise in public administration and policy, supporting the company’s ongoing strategic transformation initiatives under Project Shikhar.
