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
NTPC
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Launches 2 MW Rooftop Solar Project in Tamil Nadu
Indian Navy DSC A20 induction
Indian Navy Inducts First Indigenously-Built Diving Support Craft 'DSC A20' from Titagarh Rail Systems
dehradun-dm-savin-bansal_aa2768654aaa8b746af08aa32e6dc07d
Who is IAS Officer Savin Bansal? Dehradun DM in Spotlight After Clash with Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi
BPCL_Rahul_Dravid
BPCL’s MAK Lubricants Launches Nationwide Radio Campaign to Honour Mechanics Across India
Oil India OIL AGM
Oil India Reports Record Output, ₹7,000 Cr Profit at 66th AGM; Unveils Green Energy & Net Zero Roadmap
Rajesh Kumar Singh
Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE) Marks 76th Raising Day with Focus on Infrastructure and Technology
IREDA
IREDA Approves ₹1,134 Crore Loan to Insolation Green Energy for 4.5 GW Solar Cell Manufacturing Plant in Madhya Pradesh
PFC_hosts_
PFC Hosts Power HR Forum’s 15th Annual Meet, Uniting PSU Leaders to Drive HR Excellence in Power Sector
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr. S.K
Technology Meets Ecology: IFS Dr S K Srivastava’s Game-Changing Innovations in Forest Management | Eco Warrior Awards 2025 Interview
IFS Uttam Kumar Sharma Interview
From Extinction to Exhilaration: The Untold Story and Future Vision of Project Cheetah | Led by IFS Uttam Kumar Sharma | Eco Warrior Awards 2025
K M Abharna IFS Eco Warrior Awards 2025
Meet K. M. Abharna, the IFS Officer Behind Avni’s Case and Vidya Balan’s Sherni Role
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Ishwarlal Gurjar UPSC
10th Grade Failure to Indian Police Service: Ishwarlal Gurjar’s UPSC Success Path
Read the inspiring journey of Ishwarlal Gurjar from a small village in Rajasthan to becoming an IPS officer....
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
Social Media
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
Tamil Nadu Gaur Rescue
Tiruchirappalli Forest Officials Risk Lives to Rescue Juvenile Gaur; Video Shared by IAS Officer Goes Viral
Trichy forest and fire teams risk lives to rescue a juvenile Indian gaur; IAS officer Supriya Sahu shares...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NTPC
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Launches 2 MW Rooftop Solar Project in Tamil Nadu
Indian Navy DSC A20 induction
Indian Navy Inducts First Indigenously-Built Diving Support Craft 'DSC A20' from Titagarh Rail Systems
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr. S.K
IFS Uttam Kumar Sharma Interview
K M Abharna IFS Eco Warrior Awards 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT