Mumbai: As reported by Indian Masterminds on Oct 30, 2025, the Maharashtra government has appointed Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS: 1989: MH) as the new Chief Secretary of the state, replacing Rajesh Kumar (IAS: 1988: MH), whose three-month extension expires on November 30, 2025. Mr Aggarwal will hold the position until November 2026, bringing decades of administrative experience to the top bureaucratic post in the state.
Mr Aggarwal returned to his home state in October 2025 after more than a decade of service at the Centre.
IAS Aggarwal’s Current Role and Experience
Before assuming charge as Chief Secretary, Mr Aggarwal was serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Administrative Innovation, Excellence and Good Governance) in the General Administration Department (GAD) of Maharashtra. He was appointed Additional Chief Secretary on Nov 7, 2025.
Earlier, he was the Secretary, Department of Persons with Disabilities in the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, from where the Centre repatriated him back to Maharashtra on 29.10.2025.
He has had an illustrious career in the Central government, most recently serving as Secretary in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Known for his result-driven administrative approach, he has also contributed to several national-level initiatives promoting digital governance, inclusion, and citizen-centric service delivery.
Read also: Who Is Rajesh Aggarwal? Technocrat IAS Officer Poised to Become Maharashtra’s Next Chief Secretary
Transition from Rajesh Kumar to Rajesh Aggarwal
Rajesh Kumar, who was due to retire on August 30, 2025, received a three-month extension and took charge as Chief Secretary in June 2025 after the retirement of Sujata Saunik, the previous CS. With Aggarwal taking over, the state administration anticipates continuity and a focus on governance reforms and administrative innovation under his leadership.
A Technocrat with a Vision for Digital Governance
Born on November 12, 1966, Mr Aggarwal originally hails from Punjab. He holds a B.Tech. in Computer Science from IIT Delhi (1987) and began his civil services journey after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination at the age of 22. His background as a technocrat has deeply influenced his administrative style, especially in the fields of digital governance, finance, and e-governance innovation.
During his tenure as Secretary, IT Department, Maharashtra (2011–2015), he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives like DigiLocker, Jeevan Pramaan, and e-governance platforms that transformed public service delivery. His contribution to cyber law adjudication – with over 70 rulings under the IT Act – has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital jurisprudence.
Key Positions Held by IAS Aggarwal
Throughout his 36-year-long career, Aggarwal has held several key positions across both state and central governments, including –
- District Collector, Akola (1996–1998)
- Director, Election Commission of India (2003–2007)
- Secretary, Finance, Maharashtra (2010–2011)
- Secretary, Information Technology, Maharashtra (2011–2015)
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance (2015–2016)
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2016–2018)
- Director General, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (2018)
- Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (2019–2021)
- Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (2021–2022)
- Secretary, Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, GOI (2022–2025)
Achievements and Policy Contributions
Aggarwal has played a vital role in India’s digital transformation journey, with contributions to flagship missions like –
- Aadhaar and Jan Dhan Yojana – driving inclusion through digital identity and financial access
- DigiLocker and e-Kranti – ensuring digital access to government services
- Skill India Mission – empowering youth through vocational training and entrepreneurship
Accessibility Reforms for Persons with Disabilities – promoting inclusivity in governance and public infrastructure
He has been recognized with several national and international awards, including –
- Premier 100 CIO Award (Computerworld USA, 2014)
- UID Innovation Award (Prime Minister of India)
- CIO Excellence Award (Dataquest, 2013)
Expected to Bring Stability and Technological Edge
As Maharashtra gears up for a politically significant year ahead, Aggarwal’s potential elevation to Chief Secretary is being seen as a strategic move to combine administrative continuity, digital modernization, and fiscal prudence.
Colleagues describe him as a “visionary technocrat with deep administrative acumen” whose leadership could strengthen Maharashtra’s governance framework. His tenure will extend until November 2026, providing over a year of steady leadership.
Key Roles and Reforms in Maharashtra
Before his Central deputation, Mr Aggarwal held several key positions in Maharashtra, including Principal Secretary of the Information Technology Department. During his tenure, he led transformative e-governance and administrative reform projects, strengthening the state’s digital ecosystem and citizen service infrastructure.
His leadership was pivotal in implementing technology-driven solutions aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in public administration.
His leadership was pivotal in implementing technology-driven solutions aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in public administration.
Outlook for Maharashtra Administration
Rajesh Aggarwal’s appointment is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s administrative machinery, particularly in the areas of –
- Administrative innovation and good governance
- Policy implementation and oversight
- Coordination across departments and central-state initiatives
With his extensive experience in both state and central administration, Aggarwal is well-positioned to guide the Maharashtra bureaucracy through upcoming governance challenges and developmental projects.
