Mumbai: Senior bureaucrat Rajesh Aggarwal, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, is being seen as the frontrunner to become the next Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, following his repatriation from central deputation. Currently serving as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Aggarwal’s return to his parent cadre is being viewed as a precursor to his appointment at the state’s top bureaucratic post.
The current Chief Secretary, Rajesh Kumar (1988 batch), who took charge in June 2025 after the retirement of Sujata Saunik, is set to retire at the end of November following a three-month extension.
Aggarwal’s Return Sets Stage for Smooth Transition
The Union Government formally cleared Aggarwal’s repatriation to Maharashtra earlier this week. According to sources, the move comes ahead of a crucial political and administrative phase for the state, ensuring continuity at the top level of governance.
Aggarwal is likely to assume charge as Chief Secretary in early November, succeeding Kumar as his tenure concludes.
Officials in the state secretariat say Aggarwal’s extensive experience in both the central and state administrations, coupled with his reform-driven approach, positions him as an ideal candidate to lead Maharashtra’s bureaucracy during a pre-election period.
A Technocrat with a Vision for Digital Governance
Born on November 12, 1966, Rajesh Aggarwal holds a B.Tech. in Computer Science from IIT Delhi (1987) and began his civil services journey after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination at the age of 22. His background as a technocrat has deeply influenced his administrative style, especially in the fields of digital governance, finance, and e-governance innovation.
During his tenure as Secretary, IT Department, Maharashtra (2011–2015), he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives like DigiLocker, Jeevan Pramaan, and e-governance platforms that transformed public service delivery. His contribution to cyber law adjudication — with over 70 rulings under the IT Act — has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital jurisprudence.
Key Positions Held by Rajesh Aggarwal
Throughout his 36-year-long career, Aggarwal has held several key positions across both state and central governments, including:
- District Collector, Akola (1996–1998)
- Director, Election Commission of India (2003–2007)
- Secretary, Finance, Maharashtra (2010–2011)
- Secretary, Information Technology, Maharashtra (2011–2015)
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance (2015–2016)
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2016–2018)
- Director General, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (2018)
- Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (2019–2021)
- Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (2021–2022)
- Secretary, Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, GOI (2022–2025)
Achievements and Policy Contributions
Aggarwal has played a vital role in India’s digital transformation journey, with contributions to flagship missions like:
- Aadhaar and Jan Dhan Yojana – driving inclusion through digital identity and financial access
- DigiLocker and e-Kranti – ensuring digital access to government services
- Skill India Mission – empowering youth through vocational training and entrepreneurship
- Accessibility Reforms for Persons with Disabilities – promoting inclusivity in governance and public infrastructure
He has been recognized with several national and international awards, including:
- Premier 100 CIO Award (Computerworld USA, 2014)
- UID Innovation Award (Prime Minister of India)
- CIO Excellence Award (Dataquest, 2013)
Expected to Bring Stability and Technological Edge
As Maharashtra gears up for a politically significant year ahead, Aggarwal’s potential elevation to Chief Secretary is being seen as a strategic move to combine administrative continuity, digital modernization, and fiscal prudence.
Colleagues describe him as a “visionary technocrat with deep administrative acumen” whose leadership could strengthen Maharashtra’s governance framework. His tenure will extend until November 2026, providing over a year of steady leadership.
