In a significant administrative development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of retired IAS officer Amit Khare (IAS: 1985, Jharkhand cadre) as the Secretary to the Vice-President of India. This prestigious position will be held on a three-year contractual basis, with Khare assuming charge shortly.
A Distinguished Bureaucrat with Over Three Decades of Service
Known for his impeccable record and reform-driven approach, Amit Khare is currently serving as Advisor to the Prime Minister since October 12, 2021, overseeing crucial social sector portfolios. His career spans more than 35 years, including influential roles at both the Centre and in his home cadre of Jharkhand.
Key Milestones in His Career
Policy Reforms at the Centre: As Joint Secretary, Higher Education (2008–2014), Khare played a pivotal role in shaping education policies, promoting international collaborations with UNESCO, and spearheading copyright reforms.
Leadership in Jharkhand: He served as Secretary of Human Resource Development, Vice-Chancellor of Ranchi University, Development Commissioner, and Additional Chief Secretary (Finance-cum-Planning). He introduced innovative reforms in budgeting, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), financial inclusion, and scheme implementation.
Central Government Leadership Roles: Khare took charge as Secretary, Information & Broadcasting in 2018, and later as Secretary, School Education & Literacy and Secretary, Higher Education. His contributions to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 remain among his most celebrated achievements.
Academic Credentials
Khare’s academic background is equally impressive. He is an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and holds a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.
Significance of His New Role
The Secretary to the Vice-President plays a vital part in coordinating the functioning of the Vice-President’s office, which also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Khare’s rich experience in governance, policy-making, and institutional reforms is expected to strengthen the office’s administrative efficiency and support parliamentary functions.
Marking a New Chapter
Amit Khare’s appointment signals a continuation of the Modi government’s approach to placing seasoned administrators in key constitutional offices. His expertise in education, finance, and public policy could further enhance the effectiveness of the Vice-President’s secretariat and foster better coordination between the executive and legislative wings.
