A Trusted Aide and Influential Bureaucrat in the State’s Governance
In a key administrative development, the Gujarat government has promoted senior IAS officer Avantika Singh Aulakh (2003 batch) to the prestigious post of Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Previously serving as Secretary to the Chief Minister since September 2021, Ms. Aulakh has been a central figure in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), particularly since Mr. Bhupendra Patel assumed office.
Recognized for her outstanding leadership, administrative efficiency, and strong grasp of public policy, Ms. Aulakh brings a wealth of experience to this elevated role.
Academic Excellence and Personal Background
Originally from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Ms. Aulakh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from the Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi. She furthered her academic credentials with a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she specialized in governance and policy.
She is married to Mr. Rupwant Singh, also a 2003 batch IAS officer, currently serving as Managing Director of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC).
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Spanning over two decades, Ms. Aulakh’s career reflects a trajectory of high-impact roles and accomplishments. She has served as District Collector in key districts such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Anand, earning widespread appreciation for her effective governance.
She received the Best District Collector Award for her tenure in Vadodara (2015–16) and Bharuch (2012–13).
Honored with the National Award for Best Electoral Practices in 2012 and 2017 by the Election Commission of India.
As Collector of Ahmedabad, she was awarded the National Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Award in 2018 for her outstanding implementation of the scheme.
Leadership in Infrastructure and Education
Ms. Aulakh has played a key role in Gujarat’s infrastructure and educational development:
Vice Chairman & CEO, Gujarat Maritime Board
CEO, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board
Managing Director, Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd
Director of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat
Her contributions in these roles underline her ability to manage large-scale projects while simultaneously improving institutional capacity.
Role in State-Owned Enterprises
Beyond administrative posts, Ms. Aulakh has held board positions in major state-run enterprises, including:
Director, Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC)
Former board member of Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd, GSPC LNG Ltd, and Dholera International Airport Company Ltd
A Visionary Administrator with a Holistic Approach
Ms. Aulakh’s promotion to Additional Principal Secretary is a recognition of her unique ability to integrate technical knowledge with policy execution. Her wide-ranging experience across infrastructure, education, and electoral management positions her as a key architect in Gujarat’s continued development journey.
As she takes on this new responsibility, Ms. Aulakh is expected to further strengthen the strategic and operational capacity of the Chief Minister’s Office, playing a pivotal role in shaping the state’s governance landscape.
