Born on 12 December 1966 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajeev Verma grew up with an instinct for problem-solving. He earned a Computer Science degree from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee) and followed it with an M.Tech in Computer Science, sharpening the analytical skills that would later guide his administrative career.
In 1992, he entered the Indian Administrative Service, joining the AGMUT cadre, a group of officers trained to handle the varied challenges of India’s Union Territories.
LEARNING THE CRAFT IN THE FIELD
Verma’s early years in the service took him to Mizoram, where he worked as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate and in land-revenue roles. These assignments exposed him to the complex balance between governance and community needs. He went on to hold senior positions in Goa and Mizoram, gaining insight into coastal economies and hill-state development.
A CAREER ACROSS CAPITALS
His capability for large-scale planning brought him to Delhi, where he served as Principal Secretary and Commissioner (Finance) in the city government. A central deputation followed: from 2013 to 2017, Verma worked as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, after earlier stints in transport, sports, and health at the national level. Each role added layers to his understanding of finance, security, and citizen services.
LEADING AT THE TOP
In April 2022, the Union Government named him Chief Secretary of Puducherry, entrusting him with the day-to-day running of the coastal Union Territory. His work there paved the way for his biggest responsibility yet. On 7 February 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed him Adviser to the Administrator and Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, making him the top civil servant in the city.
SETTING CHANDIGARH’S AGENDA
Since taking charge, Verma has focused on a cleaner, smarter, and more transparent Chandigarh. He directed every public-facing department to obtain ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification, signalling a push for higher integrity standards.
He has championed digitisation in education, launching school management information systems to simplify administration and improve data accuracy. Under his watch, Chandigarh’s startup and innovation policies have gained momentum, offering incentives and guidance for new entrepreneurs.
As chair of Smart City Board meetings, Verma has pressed for projects that align the Union Territory with India’s “Vision 2047,” from better roads and sanitation upgrades to sustainable infrastructure.
PRESENCE BEYOND THE SECRETARIAT
Residents often spot him in market inspections and civic reviews, whether checking Sector-26 road work or meeting with housing officials. He also holds additional charge as Chairman of the Chandigarh Housing Board, where he oversees key urban development plans.
A PUBLIC SERVANT WITH A PRIVATE LIFE
Verma keeps his personal world low-key. Public records note his wife, Rachna Verma, and his official residence in Chandigarh, but he rarely speaks about family matters, preferring to let his administrative work define his public profile.
STEADY LEADERSHIP FOR A GROWING CITY
Three decades of service, spanning Mizoram’s hills, Delhi’s corridors of power, the coasts of Goa and Puducherry, and now the modern capital of Punjab and Haryana, have shaped Rajeev Verma into a leader who pairs technical training with field experience.
As Chandigarh advances toward its Smart City goals, his blend of engineering insight and administrative depth is already leaving a clear mark on the Union Territory’s governance and growth.
