In a key administrative reshuffle, the Gujarat government has appointed IAS Dr. Vikrant Pandey as the Secretary to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Dr. Pandey, who was serving as the Resident Commissioner of Gujarat in New Delhi, replaces Ms. Avantika Singh Aulakh (2003-batch IAS officer), who has now been elevated and re-designated as the Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Who is Dr. Vikrant Pandey?
Dr. Vikrant Pandey is a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre. Born in Bakani, a small town in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district, he completed his MBBS from Udaipur before successfully clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination on his second attempt. His career in the IAS is marked by commitment, adaptability, and effective governance.
Career Highlights:
- District Collector: Dr. Pandey has served as Collector in several key districts of Gujarat, including Valsad, Bharuch, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad, earning praise for his hands-on administrative approach and public service delivery.
- Central Deputation: In November 2019, he was appointed Director of the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He held this position until December 2024.
- Resident Commissioner: Upon returning to the state cadre, he was posted in December 2024 as the Resident Commissioner of Gujarat in New Delhi, serving as a vital liaison between the Gujarat government and the Centre.
Dr. Pandey is also known for his advocacy in educational development. He regularly shares motivational insights with students, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and quality education as the cornerstones of success.
Transition in CM’s Office
Dr. Pandey’s appointment as Secretary to the Chief Minister signals the Gujarat government’s continued trust in experienced and dynamic officers. His predecessor, Ms. Avantika Singh Aulakh, who had held the post since September 2021, now assumes the role of Additional Principal Secretary, indicating her continued key presence in the Chief Minister’s core team.
This reshuffle underscores Gujarat’s focus on strengthening administrative leadership as the state navigates developmental priorities and policy implementation under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
