Governance Continuity in Assam: IAS Dr. Ravi Kota’s Tenure Extended as Chief Secretary Until October 2026
In a significant administrative move to maintain stability and momentum in state governance, the Government of Assam has officially extended the service of Dr. Ravi Kota (IAS: 1993, Assam-Meghalaya cadre) as the Chief Secretary for a further six months. Originally slated to superannuate on April 30, 2026, the veteran bureaucrat will now remain at the helm of the state’s executive machinery until October 31, 2026.
The extension, approved by the Central Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), underscores the state administration’s reliance on Dr. Kota’s extensive expertise in fiscal management, international economic relations, and grassroots execution.
The 51st Chief Secretary: A Profile of Leadership
Dr. Ravi Kota assumed the mantle of Assam’s 51st Chief Secretary on January 17, 2024. His appointment was viewed as a strategic selection by the state leadership, prioritizing his multifaceted administrative background over seniority alone. As the administrative head of the government and Secretary to the State Cabinet, his role involves:
Policy Orchestration: Translating the Cabinet’s vision into actionable state-wide programs.
Inter-Departmental Synergy: Ensuring seamless coordination between diverse ministries to avoid bureaucratic silos.
Advisory Excellence: Serving as the primary administrative advisor to the Chief Minister on critical matters of state interest.
A Career Spanning Local to Global Arenas
Dr. Kota’s career is distinguished by its depth, covering four distinct tiers of governance over 33 years of service.
Grassroots & State Leadership
Dr. Kota’s journey began in the districts of Assam, where he served as Deputy Commissioner in Golaghat, Sivasagar, and Jorhat. At the state level, his tenure as Principal Finance Secretary (2014–2018) was pivotal; he successfully steered Assam through the fiscal complexities of demonetization and the national transition from VAT to GST.
National Policy Framing
As the Joint Secretary for the 15th Finance Commission, Dr. Kota played a crucial role in analyzing the fiscal health of all 28 Indian states. His contributions were instrumental in drafting national policies for:
Disaster management and relief funds.
Third-tier governance (Panchayati Raj) reforms.
Environmental initiatives for air pollution control.
International Economic Diplomacy
Before returning to Assam as Chief Secretary, Dr. Kota served as Minister (Economic) at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. (2020–2023). During this high-stakes assignment, he:
Managed bilateral economic relations during the volatile Trump-Biden transition.
Engaged with the IMF and World Bank during India’s G20 Presidency.
Promoted the US-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership 2030, traveling nearly 40,000 miles across the US to pitch India as a prime investment destination.
Academic Prowess and Distinguished Recognition
Dr. Kota is a rare blend of academic excellence and administrative acumen. A Gold Medalist Ph.D. in Agronomy from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), he is notably the first Chief Secretary in Assam’s modern history to hold a doctorate in this field.
Key Awards:
CM’s Award for Excellence (2017-18): For the digital automation of state budget planning.
CM’s Award for Financial Inclusion (2016-17): For bringing 700,000 tea garden workers into the formal banking fold.
Feature Details:
Full Name Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS
Cadre & Batch Assam-Meghalaya, 1993
New Retirement Date October 31, 2026
Education Ph.D. Agronomy (Gold Medalist)
Native Place Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh
Significance of the Extension
The extension is particularly strategic as Assam navigates critical urban infrastructure projects, such as the Guwahati Smart City and JICA-funded water initiatives, alongside the state’s ambitious goal of becoming a major hub for clean energy and industrial investment. By retaining Dr. Kota, the government ensures that these long-term projects remain under the oversight of the architect who helped frame their fiscal foundations.
