Gandhinagar: Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) has announced the appointment of Mr Sandeep Kumar, IAS as a Non-Executive Director on its Board, with effect from January 22, 2026. The appointment has been made pursuant to Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
The appointment follows an official order issued by the Government of Gujarat and has been approved by GMDC’s Board of Directors through a circular resolution, subject to the approval of shareholders.
Government Order and Board Approval
The appointment is based on Government of Gujarat Office Order No. FD/OTH/e-file/4/2024/0356/A (BPE) dated January 22, 2026. Through this order, Mr Sandeep Kumar was appointed as Secretary (Economic Affairs), Finance Department, Government of Gujarat, replacing Ms. Arti Kanwar, IAS.
Subsequently, GMDC’s Board approved his induction as a Director in the Non-Executive / Non-Independent Director category. The company has clarified that the appointment will be placed before shareholders for formal approval in accordance with statutory requirements.
Replacement of Ms. Arti Kanwar, IAS
Mr Kumar succeeds Ms. Arti Kanwar, IAS on the GMDC Board. The change aligns with the latest administrative postings by the Government of Gujarat and ensures continuity of government representation on the Board of the state-owned enterprise.
Profile of Sandeep Kumar, IAS
- Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Batch & Cadre: 2002 Batch, Gujarat Cadre
- Date of Birth: January 1, 1976
Mr Kumar holds a Graduate degree and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography. He is fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, enabling effective engagement across administrative and policy domains.
In 2021, he was empanelled for the post of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Government of India level, reflecting his seniority and administrative credentials.
Current Role in Gujarat Government
As of January 2026, Mr Kumar is serving as Secretary (Economic Affairs), Finance Department, Government of Gujarat. In this capacity, he plays a key role in economic planning, fiscal management, and policy coordination for the state.
Extensive Administrative Experience Across Key Sectors
With over 20 years of experience in public administration, Mr Kumar has held several senior leadership positions within the Gujarat government. His professional experience spans multiple critical departments and sectors, including:
- Agriculture Department
- Home Department
- Power and Energy sector leadership
- Urban Development
- Law and Order management
- Energy and power distribution oversight
- Land revenue administration
- District administration and rural development
He has previously served as Secretary to the Government in the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation Department, overseeing portfolios such as Animal Husbandry, Cow Breeding, Fisheries, and Co-operation.
Additionally, he has held the position of Commissioner of Cottage & Rural Industries and Secretary to the Government (Cottage & Rural Industries) under the Industries & Mines Department.
Engagement in Research and Innovation Initiatives
He has also been actively involved in research and innovation initiatives, including strategic engagements with institutions such as the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC). Through these interactions, he has contributed insights on the role of biotechnology and innovation in public sector development.
Regulatory and Compliance Disclosures
GMDC has confirmed that Mr Kumar is not related to any Director or Key Managerial Personnel of the company, as defined under Regulation 2(1)(zb) of the SEBI LODR Regulations.
The company has further stated that he has not been debarred from holding the office of Director by SEBI or any other statutory authority, and there are no regulatory concerns associated with his appointment.
About GMDC
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) is a Government of Gujarat enterprise with CIN L14100GJ1963SGC001206. The company is headquartered at Khanij Bhavan, 132 Ft. Ring Road, Near University Ground, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad.
GMDC stated that the appointment of Shri Sandeep Kumar strengthens its Board with deep public administration and policy expertise, supporting the company’s ongoing strategic transformation initiatives under Project Shikhar.
