Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has appointed Manoj Kumar Das (IAS:1990:GJ) as the new Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, effective October 31, 2025 (A.N.), following the superannuation of Pankaj Joshi (IAS) on the same day.
Mr. Das, currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, will formally assume charge as the state’s top bureaucrat at the end of this month. The appointment order was issued by the General Administration Department on Monday.
An Administrator with Over 30 Years of Distinguished Service
A seasoned civil servant, Mr. Manoj Kumar Das has over three decades of experience in governance, policy formulation, and infrastructure development. A 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, he has held several key administrative positions in both the state and central governments.
Mr. Das holds a B.Tech (Hons.) in Computer Science & Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. Born on December 20, 1966, he is fluent in Bengali, English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
Career Highlights and Key Postings
Mr. Das began his civil service journey as District Development Officer (DDO) in Vadodara, later serving in various districts across Gujarat where he earned a reputation for efficiency and developmental focus.
His notable positions include:
- Municipal Commissioner of Vadodara and Surat – where his urban governance initiatives earned him eight national awards.
- Joint Managing Director, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC)
- Director and Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- Principal Secretary, Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs Department
Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Mines Department – where he was instrumental in launching the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020, translated into eight languages to attract foreign investment.
Leadership in Gujarat’s Industrial and Maritime Growth
As Additional Chief Secretary (Industries & Mines), Mr. Das played a pivotal role in accelerating industrial development and enhancing ease of doing business in Gujarat. He spearheaded the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019, transforming it into a premier international investment platform.
Later, he took charge as Additional Chief Secretary, Ports & Transport Department, where he oversaw visionary projects including:
- Establishment of the Gujarat Maritime University
- Development of the Maritime Cluster
- Launch of the Gujarat Ports Logistics Company
Promotion of greenfield port projects aligned with national programs like Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision, and Make in India
Reputation and Work Ethic
Colleagues describe Mr. Das as a “taskmaster with a knack for getting things done” and a leader who maintains strong professional relationships with subordinates and peers. Known for his decisive leadership style, he has been closely associated with K. Kailashnathan, the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, since his tenure as Deputy Municipal Commissioner in Ahmedabad (2000–2001).
His return to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in recent years reflects both his administrative acumen and reliability during a period when the Gujarat government faces a shortage of senior bureaucrats.
Honours and Recognitions
Mr. Das has received multiple national-level awards for excellence in urban governance and administration during his tenure as Municipal Commissioner of Surat and Vadodara. He was also felicitated by the Governor of Gujarat for his significant contribution to rural development.
An Administrator for a Transforming Gujarat
With Gujarat entering a new phase of infrastructure expansion and industrial growth, the appointment of a technocrat-administrator like Mr. Das is expected to bolster governance efficiency and policy execution in the state.
