IAS officer Dr. Vikrant Pandey, from the 2005 Gujarat cadre, has been appointed as the new Secretary to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in a significant administrative reshuffle.
Until now, Dr. Pandey was serving as the Resident Commissioner of Gujarat in New Delhi. He replaces Ms. Avantika Singh Aulakh, a 2003-batch IAS officer, who has now been promoted to the role of Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Who is Dr. Vikrant Pandey?
Dr. Vikrant Pandey hails from Bakani, a small town in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district. A qualified medical doctor, he completed his MBBS from Udaipur before clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination on his second attempt.
Known for his integrity, adaptability, and effective governance, Dr. Pandey has built a distinguished career in public administration.
Career Highlights
District Collector: Dr. Pandey has served as Collector in several important districts of Gujarat, including Valsad, Bharuch, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad. His leadership and people-centric approach earned widespread appreciation.
Central Deputation: In November 2019, he was appointed as Director at the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, a role he held until December 2024.
Resident Commissioner: Upon completing his central deputation, he returned to Gujarat cadre and was appointed as the state’s Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, playing a key role in facilitating coordination between the state and the central government.
Dr. Pandey is also recognized for his active role in promoting education. He frequently engages with students, sharing motivational advice and emphasizing the importance of discipline, perseverance, and quality education.
Transition in the CM’s Office
Dr. Pandey’s new role as Secretary to the Chief Minister reflects the Gujarat government’s confidence in capable and seasoned officers. His predecessor, Ms. Avantika Singh Aulakh, who had held the position since September 2021, will now serve as Additional Principal Secretary, continuing to play a crucial role in the Chief Minister’s core team.
This reshuffle highlights Gujarat’s focus on strengthening its administrative framework as the state advances its development agenda under the leadership of CM Bhupendra Patel.
