Chandigarh/New Delhi: Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Shyamal Misra, a 1996-batch officer of the Haryana cadre, has been appointed as Administrator of Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
Following his appointment, the Haryana Government has placed his services at the disposal of the Government of India. An official order in this regard was issued by Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.
Previously Serving as Chief Administrator of Trade Fair Authority of Haryana
Before his central deputation, Misra was serving as the Chief Administrator of the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, New Delhi, and also held the charge of Additional Chief Secretary in the Energy Department of Haryana.
Despite his appointment at the Centre, he continues to be associated with key administrative responsibilities, reflecting the trust reposed in him at both state and national levels.
Role as Administrator, Digital Bharat Nidhi
Shyamal Misra was appointed as Administrator of Digital Bharat Nidhi in January 2026 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
The Digital Bharat Nidhi, earlier known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), plays a crucial role in financing broadband and digital connectivity projects in rural and remote areas of India. As Administrator, Misra will be responsible for overseeing the planning, funding, and execution of initiatives aimed at expanding digital infrastructure across the country.
Current Key Positions Held by Shyamal Misra
As of early 2026, Misra holds or has recently held several high-profile leadership roles:
- Administrator, Digital Bharat Nidhi, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications
- Principal Secretary (Energy), Government of Haryana (appointed October 2025)
- Chairman, Haryana Power Utilities, including Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN)
Chief Administrator, Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, New Delhi (since September 2024)
Extensive Experience in State and Central Administration
With nearly three decades of service, Shyamal Misra has held several critical administrative positions across sectors:
Urban Infrastructure
- Chief Executive Officer, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA)
- Chief Executive Officer, Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA)
Central Government Roles
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Tenure extended in 2022
- Post later upgraded to Additional Secretary
- Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
State Government Roles (Haryana)
- Excise & Taxation Commissioner
- Principal Secretary, Civil Aviation Department
Senior leadership roles in power and infrastructure administration
Educational Background
Shyamal Misra has an impressive academic profile:
- B.Tech. from IIT Kanpur
- Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School
- Proficient in English and Hindi
Born on June 16, 1973, Misra is known for combining strong technical expertise with policy and administrative acumen.
Personal Background
Shyamal Misra is well connected within India’s administrative and policy circles. He is the son-in-law of Nripendra Misra, former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and current Chairperson of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.
Significance of the Appointment
Misra’s appointment as Administrator of Digital Bharat Nidhi comes at a critical time, as the government intensifies efforts to bridge the digital divide, expand rural broadband connectivity, and strengthen India’s digital infrastructure. His experience in infrastructure development, governance, and inter-governmental coordination is expected to strengthen the implementation of DBN-funded projects nationwide.
