Anurag Jain, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has built a distinguished career in governance, policy-making, and public administration. With vast experience across various domains, including finance, infrastructure, rural development, and information technology, Jain has held several key positions at both the state and central levels. His recent appointment as the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh in October 2024 marks another significant chapter in his administrative journey.
Born on August 11, 1965, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Anurag Jain displayed an early aptitude for academics and leadership. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, earning a B.Tech degree with honours in Electrical Engineering in 1986. Furthering his education in public administration, he later obtained a Master’s degree from the Maxwell School, USA.
ENTRY INTO IAS
Mr. Jain began his career in the Indian Administrative Service in 1989 and was initially posted as an Assistant Collector in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, in June 1990. His early years in administrative service saw him serve as the District Collector in Mandla, Mandsaur, and Bhopal, where he worked on issues related to governance, rural development, and public service delivery.
KEY ASSIGNMENTS IN MADHYA PRADESH
Over the years, Mr. Jain assumed significant responsibilities within the Madhya Pradesh government. As Secretary to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for over five years, he played an instrumental role in formulating policies, including the enactment of the Public Service Delivery Management Act. This initiative laid the foundation for better transparency and accountability in public service delivery and was later adopted by several other states.
During his tenure as Secretary, of Information Technology, he contributed to elevating Madhya Pradesh’s ranking in e-Readiness Assessments. His efforts in digital governance earned him the Web Ratna Award for excellence in e-governance. Later, he served as the head of the Finance Department as Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Finance), managing the state’s economic policies and fiscal planning.
CENTRAL DEPUTATIONS AND KEY NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Anurag Jain’s extensive career also includes a long stint with the central government, where he played a crucial role in shaping national policies. He served as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and was a key architect behind the conceptualisation and implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the world’s largest financial inclusion program launched in 2014. His work in financial policy and inclusion brought him recognition as an efficient policymaker.
From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Jain was a Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), advising on various policy matters. In 2020, he took over as Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), where he contributed to urban planning and infrastructure development.
In 2021, he was appointed Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), where he played a critical role in the formulation of the PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan. This initiative aimed at integrating infrastructure planning across 18 ministries and received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2023. Later, he served as Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, working on transportation and highway development projects.
RETURN TO MADHYA PRADESH AS CHIEF SECRETARY
In October 2024, IAS officer Anurag Jain was appointed as the 35th Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, returning to his home cadre after a long tenure at the centre. His appointment came at a crucial time, as the state faced significant financial challenges with a rising debt burden. Leveraging his expertise in financial management, he is expected to guide Madhya Pradesh’s economic policies and administrative reforms.
Mr. Jain has also been instrumental in shaping Madhya Pradesh’s investment policies. The state government is currently focused on attracting global investors across emerging sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, drone technology, animation, and gaming. Under his leadership, the government is working on amending existing policies and introducing over 20 new industrial policies in 2025 to boost investment and economic growth.
INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC REFORMS
One of the major focuses of Anurag Jain’s tenure has been improving the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in Madhya Pradesh. The state has consistently ranked among the top in the EoDB index, and Mr. Jain aims to further simplify processes, fast-track industrial permissions, and reduce compliance burdens. The “Start Your Business in 30 Days” initiative is one such effort to facilitate quicker business establishment.
The development of industrial parks with pre-approved environmental clearances and integrated worker housing under a public-private partnership (PPP) model is another significant step. Mr. Jain has also played a crucial role in fostering skill development programs in collaboration with ITIs, helping bridge the skill gap in emerging industries.
STRENGTHENING INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT INITIATIVES
Madhya Pradesh has been working closely with the central government to develop industrial parks, including the Vikram Udyogpuri in Ujjain, PM Mitra Park in Dhar, a multi-modal logistics park in Pithampur, and a renewable energy manufacturing zone in Narmadapuram. The government has also launched India’s first dedicated Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy 2025, aimed at attracting major multinational corporations.
Under Anurag Jain’s leadership, the state has also strengthened its semiconductor policy, offering financial incentives, infrastructure support, and skill development programs to boost chip design and manufacturing. The government has prioritised infrastructure development, including road connectivity, industrial clusters, and logistics networks, to make Madhya Pradesh an investment-friendly state.
BEYOND ADMINISTRATION
Apart from his work in governance and policy-making, Anurag Jain has a keen interest in sports. He is an avid tennis player and has represented Madhya Pradesh in cricket. Over the years, he has won 11 national awards in various fields, reflecting his well-rounded personality and commitment to excellence beyond his administrative responsibilities.
IAS officer Anurag Jain’s career is marked by his contributions to public policy, governance, and economic development. His ability to navigate complex financial challenges, drive infrastructure projects, and implement large-scale reforms has made him a key figure in Indian administration. As the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, he is expected to bring his experience and vision to the state’s governance, focusing on economic growth, investment, and administrative efficiency. With his extensive background in both state and central administration, Jain remains a significant force in shaping the future of Madhya Pradesh’s governance and development trajectory.
