https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Championing Governance and Development in Bihar

Amrit Lal Meena (IAS officer, 1989), the Chief Secretary of Bihar, has played a pivotal role in shaping state and national policies, from spearheading rural development with MGNREGA to driving infrastructure growth under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, showcasing his visionary leadership and commitment to public service.
Indian Masterminds Stories

From humble beginnings in a small village in Rajasthan to becoming the Chief Secretary of Bihar, Amrit Lal Meena’s life story is an inspiring tale of hard work, perseverance and dedication. Born in Dabra village in the Karauli district, Meena grew up in a financially constrained household but exhibited a strong interest in academics from an early age. After completing his early education in a government school in his village, he moved to Gangapur City for higher studies. His journey from a rural background to achieving one of the highest administrative posts in the country is a testament to his hard work and determination.

ACADEMICS AND EARLY CAREER 

Amrit Lal Meena pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, graduating in 1987. Then he opted for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and began his illustrious career in 1991 as a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO). Over the next few years, he rose through the ranks, serving as the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in 1993 and eventually as the District Magistrate (DM) in five districts: Siwan, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur.

During his tenure as a DM, Meena demonstrated people-centric administrative skills, handling naxal-affected areas with remarkable balance. His accessibility, sensitivity to public concerns, and emphasis on development initiatives set him apart as an administrator committed to holistic growth.

DRIVING TRANSFORMATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT 

Meena went on Central deputation as Private Secretary (PS) to Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, the Union Minister for Rural Development, from 2004 to 2009. During this period, he played a pivotal role in the formulation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), one of the most impactful social welfare programs in India. He also contributed to the development of rural roads in Bihar, significantly improving connectivity and access to essential services.

IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMERCE 

During his tenure as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Meena focused on developing India’s cold chain sector, a critical component in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food security. Later, as Special Secretary (Logistics) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, he spearheaded the formulation and implementation of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy. These initiatives streamlined infrastructure projects and enhanced India’s global competitiveness.

REMARKABLE ACHIEVMENT IN COAL MINISTRY 

As Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, Meena’s leadership brought transformative changes to the sector. Under his guidance, the coal sector achieved double-digit growth in production, and the market capitalization of coal Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) surged by over 150% in just two years. His emphasis on transparent auctions of commercial coal blocks attracted significant industry interest, contributing to India’s energy security. Meena also prioritized coal gasification and renewable energy, steering the sector toward sustainable practices.

A LEGACY OF SERVICE IN BIHAR 

Returning to Bihar, Meena’s extensive experience across multiple departments has been instrumental in driving progress. Over the years, he served as Secretary in key departments including Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, Urban Development, and Road Construction. His tenure as Principal Secretary of the Road Construction Department was particularly noteworthy, as he focused on building a sustainable and extensive road network across the state.

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS 

Amrit Lal Meena’s dedication and innovative approach have earned him numerous accolades. Among his achievements are three national awards:

  • National Literacy Award (2003): For his contributions to improving literacy rates.
  • National Award for Implementation of MGNREGA in Bihar (2013): Recognizing his role in the successful execution of the rural employment scheme.
  • National e-Governance Award (2014): For leveraging technology to enhance governance efficiency.

PERSONAL LIFE AND VALUES 

A native of Rajasthan, Meena is the eldest of five siblings. Despite growing up in challenging financial conditions, he has been a pillar of support for his family. His brothers are in government service, while his sister is a homemaker. Meena’s grounded upbringing and exposure to grassroots challenges have shaped his empathetic and people-oriented approach to administration.

As the Chief Secretary of Bihar, Amrit Lal Meena brings decades of diverse experience to the table. His vision for the state includes improving infrastructure, enhancing governance, and ensuring sustainable development. His ability to balance local needs with national priorities makes him a driving force in shaping Bihar’s future.

From spearheading rural development initiatives to revolutionizing the coal sector, Meena’s journey underscores his unwavering commitment to public service. His story inspires countless others, proving that determination and a strong sense of purpose can overcome any obstacle.

ROLE OF CHIEF SECRETARY 

The Chief Secretary is the highest-ranking executive officer and senior-most civil servant in a state government. They lead the State Civil Services Board, the State Secretariat, the state’s Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre, and all other civil services in the state. The Chief Secretary also serves as the chief advisor to the Chief Minister on all matters related to state administration.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
omc
Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) Begins Dispatch from Dubna Mines, Strengthening Supply Chain and Industrial Growth
NFDC
NFDC Launches Free Residential 3D Animation & VFX Training for North East Youth - Here's All You Need To Know
CM Yogi
CM Yogi Adityanath Reviews Rs. 42,891 Crore Development Proposals for Lucknow Division, Emphasizes Timely, Inclusive Execution
Mahanadi River
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Assures Odisha of Consideration on an Amicable Solution to Mahanadi Water Dispute
MP News
Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav Pays Tribute to Pt. Ravishankar Shukla on His Birth Anniversary
ONGC_resized
ONGC Sets Record Date for Rs1.25 Final Dividend for FY25; Strengthens Shareholder Returns- Check Details
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
PM Modi Releases 20th PM-KISAN Instalment; CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Thanks Centre for Supporting Over 8 Lakh Farmers in Uttarakhand
ips  Sonali Mishra and Binita Thakur
Two IPS Daughters Rewrite History: Sonali Mishra and Binita Thakur Leading India’s Security with Courage and Vision
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
How IAS Karn Satyarthi Transformed Gumla Through Empathy and Innovation
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi’s Take on Corruption, Reform, and Duty
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
What Most Indians Don't Know About Jim Corbett
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
BPSC Bihar police
From Lantern Light to Police Uniform: How Praveen Kumar from a Small Bihar Village Cracked BPSC to Become SDPO
From a lantern-lit village in Bihar to becoming an SDPO, Praveen Kumar's journey is a testament to resilience,...
IAS Priyansha Garg
Why Mindset Matters: IAS Priyansha Garg’s Mental Health Mantra for UPSC
After two failed prelims, Priyansha Garg cracked UPSC with AIR 31 in her fourth attempt, proving how...
Ashish Akshat
From Setback to State Topper: How Ashish Akshat Topped JPSC While Working Full-Time
Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad topped JPSC 2023, proving that resilience, discipline, and family support...
Social Media
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: From India’s First Sanctuary to a Tiger Conservation Success Story | International Tiger Day Special
IAS Supriya Sahu Hails Mudumalai's Role in Tiger Conservation on Tiger Day. Declared in 1940, Now Among...
Mangroves
Mangroves: Nature’s Shield Against Disasters, Says Officer Parveen Kaswan on Mangroves Day - Watch His Post Here
Mangroves, with their dense, interlaced root systems, form a mesh-like structure that serves as a buffer...
Retired IPS Inderjit Singh Sidhu
Purpose Doesn’t Retire: How 88-Year-Old Retired DIG Becomes Chandigarh’s ‘Quiet Warrior’ of Cleanliness
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s Dawn Patrol Earns Applause, Mahindra’s Praise for a Man Who Chose Action Over...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
omc
Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) Begins Dispatch from Dubna Mines, Strengthening Supply Chain and Industrial Growth
NFDC
NFDC Launches Free Residential 3D Animation & VFX Training for North East Youth - Here's All You Need To Know
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT