UP GST Gets New Leadership: IAS Kamini Chauhan Ratan Appointed Principal Secretary, Bringing Stability and Fresh Confidence
The Uttar Pradesh government has carried out a significant administrative reorganisation by appointing senior IAS officer Ms. Kamini Chauhan Ratan as the Principal Secretary of the State Tax (GST) Department. The decision comes soon after her return to the Uttar Pradesh cadre following an extended tenure at the Centre and is being viewed as a decisive step towards restoring confidence, stability and efficiency within the department.
Known for her clean image, firm grasp of administration and development-oriented approach, Ms. Ratan’s appointment has been welcomed across official circles. Senior officers believe her leadership will help rebuild trust, improve coordination and bring much-needed balance to tax administration in the state.
Change in Charge and Administrative Realignment
Under the new order issued by the state’s Personnel Department, Mr. M. Devraj, who had earlier been handling dual responsibilities, has now been relieved of the GST portfolio and will focus exclusively on the Appointments and Personnel Department. This restructuring allows the State Tax Department to operate with a full-time administrative head, ensuring sharper focus on revenue management and policy execution.
Departmental Relief After a Period of Strain
Sources within the State Tax Department indicate that staff morale had been under pressure over the past year. Officials reportedly faced intense scrutiny regarding GST refunds, tax assessments and penalty-related decisions. Trade bodies and business associations had also raised repeated concerns over operational delays and the working style of the previous leadership, leading to prolonged friction.
Against this backdrop, Ms. Ratan’s arrival is being perceived as a positive turning point. Officers describe her induction as a “reset moment” that could ease tensions, streamline internal processes and foster healthier engagement between the department and the business community. The move reflects the government’s intent to stabilise the GST ecosystem and improve administrative harmony.
Why Kamini Chauhan Ratan’s Appointment Is Seen as Crucial
Senior officials view Ms. Ratan as a natural fit for a department that lies at the heart of state revenue mobilisation, GST compliance and fiscal reforms. Her deep exposure to governance, regulatory frameworks and policy formulation is expected to strengthen institutional decision-making at a time when revenue performance and taxpayer confidence are key priorities.
Meanwhile, there is growing speculation within bureaucratic circles regarding Mr. Devraj’s future role, suggesting that the reshuffle may be part of a broader internal review. Although he is widely regarded as sincere and disciplined, his decisions are believed to have generated considerable stress among officers and stakeholders.
An Officer With a Distinguished Administrative Journey
Ms. Kamini Chauhan Ratan is a 1997-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, born on 13 July 1971. She has a strong academic background, having topped her B.Com from Delhi University, followed by degrees in LL.B and LL.M, equipping her with a solid understanding of commerce, law and public policy.
In the early phase of her career, she served as Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Joint Magistrate in Agra, Ayodhya and Lucknow. She later took charge as Chief Development Officer, Meerut, where she played a key role in implementing major development schemes.
Her administrative journey also includes distinguished tenures as District Magistrate in Sultanpur, Bulandshahr, Saharanpur, Baghpat and Meerut. Notably, she created history by becoming the first woman District Magistrate of both Baghpat and Meerut, earning widespread recognition for effective district governance.
Wide-Ranging Experience Across Key State Departments
Within the Uttar Pradesh government, Ms. Ratan has handled a diverse set of high-impact portfolios. These include roles such as Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration; Inspector General (Registration) and Commissioner of Stamps; Commissioner, Commercial Taxes; and Commissioner, Entertainment Tax.
She has also served as Secretary in important departments such as Women and Child Development, Finance, and Rural Development, gaining first-hand experience in welfare delivery, fiscal administration and grassroots governance.
Strong Central Government Exposure and National Contributions
During her central deputation, Ms. Ratan served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, where she played an active role in shaping the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. She later held the position of Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, contributing to strategic financial oversight at the national level.
She was also appointed Government Nominee Director on the boards of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in 2022 and GAIL (India) Limited in 2025, completing her tenure before returning to the state cadre in late 2025.
Recognition and Institutional Trust
Over the course of her career, Ms. Ratan has received several accolades, including the National Award for Best District Electoral Officer from the Election Commission of India. Her ability to work seamlessly across district, state and central roles has earned her a reputation as a dependable and reform-oriented administrator.
As she takes charge of the State Tax (GST) Department, expectations are high that she will bring greater transparency, administrative balance and operational efficiency to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most critical revenue-generating arms, reinforcing both governance credibility and taxpayer confidence.
