Ahmedabad, Gujarat: In a significant move, the Gujarat government has promoted IAS officer Avantika Singh Aulakh, a 2003 batch officer, from her role as Secretary to the Chief Minister to the prestigious position of Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister. Ms Aulakh, who has been closely associated with the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) since Mr Bhupendra Patel assumed office as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, brings her wealth of administrative experience and expertise to this elevated role.
Ms Aulakh, who has served as Secretary to the Chief Minister since September 2021, has earned a reputation for her exceptional leadership and efficient governance. She is known for her strong technical background and remarkable public policy acumen, which she has applied in her service to the state of Gujarat.
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Academics & Personal Life
Ms Aulakh hails from Hoshiarpur in Punjab. Her academic qualifications further underscore her capabilities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from the Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi. She went on to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration from the prestigious Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she honed her skills in public policy and governance.
She is married to IAS officer Rupwant Singh, the Managing Director of Gujarat Minerals Development Corporation (GMDC). Mr Rupwant is also an IAS officer of 2003 batch.
Her career spans over two decades, during which she has held several critical administrative positions in the state.
A Stellar Career in Civil Services
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms Aulakh has served in a variety of important roles within the Government of Gujarat. She has held the position of District Collector in prominent districts including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Anand, where she earned considerable accolades for her leadership. In particular, she was awarded the Best District Collector award for her work in Vadodara (2015-16) and Bharuch (2012-13).
Her commitment to developmental governance was recognized nationally when she received the National Award for Best Electoral Practices in 2012 and 2017 from the Election Commission of India. Additionally, as Collector of Ahmedabad, Aulakh was honored with the National Level Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme award by the Government of India in 2018 for her outstanding contribution to the scheme’s implementation.
Diverse Roles and Contributions
Ms Aulakh’s career has also been marked by her leadership in infrastructure and development sectors. She has served as the Vice Chairman & CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board, the CEO of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, and as the Managing Director of Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Her ability to handle both large-scale infrastructure projects and educational initiatives speaks to her versatility as an administrator.
In addition, she has served as the Director of Technical Education in the state, where she contributed significantly to the development and improvement of technical education in Gujarat.
Her impressive leadership and management skills have made her an essential figure in the state’s growth story, overseeing various complex projects and initiatives.
A Strong Presence in State-Owned Enterprises
Beyond her role in the civil services, Ms. Aulakh has also made her mark as a director at several state-owned companies, including Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited. She has previously held directorial positions on the boards of high-profile companies, such as Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited, GSPC LNG Limited, and Dholera International Airport Company Limited.
A Unique Blend of Expertise
Ms Aulakh’s elevation to Additional Principal Secretary reflects her ability to integrate her technical expertise with a deep understanding of public administration. Her contributions to Gujarat’s administrative framework and development initiatives have been invaluable. Her vast experience across different sectors, coupled with her proven track record of managing complex projects, will serve her well in her new role as she continues to play a crucial part in shaping the future of Gujarat.
As she steps into her new position, Ms Aulakh is poised to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Chief Minister’s Office and play an instrumental role in the continued development of Gujarat.
