Ashok Kumar Kaluaram Meena IAS given additional charge as Secretary- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Shri Ashok Kumar Kaluaram Meena IAS (Odisha 1993) presently Secretary – Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti from has been given the additional charge as Secretary- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change from 15.04.2026 to 24.04.2026 during the period of absence on leave of Shri Tanmay Kumar IAS (Rajasthan 1993).
Who is Ashok Kumar Kaluaram Meena IAS given additional charge as Secretary- MoEFCC
Shri Ashok Kumar Kaluaram Meena, an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has built a distinguished career marked by intellectual depth, administrative versatility, and impactful governance across key sectors. Known for his strong academic foundation and extensive experience in both state and central government roles, he represents the finest traditions of the Indian Bureaucracy.
Born with a keen inclination towards academics and public service, Shri Meena pursued his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, where he graduated with First Class distinction. This technical grounding was further complemented by a Master’s degree in Economics from Annamalai University, again securing First Class. His interdisciplinary academic journey reflects a rare blend of technical acumen and economic insight, enabling him to approach governance with analytical precision. Further strengthening his expertise, he completed a Master in International Development Policy (MIDP) with specialization in Public Finance from the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, USA, earning a Grade ‘A’. He has also acquired certification in Intellectual Property Rights, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning.
Shri Meena’s administrative journey spans nearly three decades, during which he has held several key leadership positions in both the Government of India and the Government of Odisha. Currently, he serves as Secretary in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, a position he assumed on 31 October 2024. In this capacity, he is responsible for steering national policies and flagship programmes related to water resources and rural drinking water supply, a sector critical to India’s sustainable development goals.
Prior to this, he served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the same department, preparing for his transition into the Secretary role. His leadership at the national level was further demonstrated during his tenure as Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from August 2022 to August 2024. At FCI, he played a crucial role in strengthening India’s food security framework, improving procurement systems, and enhancing operational efficiency in food grain management.
In the Odisha cadre, Shri Meena has held several pivotal roles, contributing significantly to the state’s governance architecture. As Principal Secretary in the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department, he worked extensively on rural infrastructure and drinking water supply initiatives. His earlier tenure as Principal Secretary in the Finance Department was marked by prudent fiscal management and policy reforms aimed at strengthening the state’s financial health.
He also served as Principal Secretary in the General Administration Department, where he was instrumental in driving administrative reforms and improving governance processes. His role as Commissioner-cum-Secretary in the Electronics and Information Technology Department highlights his contribution to advancing e-governance and digital transformation in Odisha, including his association with the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC).
Shri Meena’s experience at the central level includes significant assignments in the Ministry of Defence, where he served as Joint Secretary handling defence production and related matters. He also worked as Director (Vigilance) in the Department of Personnel and Training, contributing to transparency and accountability in public administration. His earlier role as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry further broadened his exposure to economic policy and trade.
His field-level administrative experience is equally noteworthy. As District Collector and Magistrate of Kandhamal and Kendujhar districts, he demonstrated strong leadership in district administration, land revenue management, and developmental governance. These grassroots experiences have deeply informed his approach to policymaking at higher levels.
In addition, Shri Meena has held leadership roles in industrial development, including as Managing Director of the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) and the Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO). His contributions in these roles were instrumental in promoting industrial investment and infrastructure development in the state. He also served as Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, managing one of India’s most significant religious institutions with administrative efficiency and cultural sensitivity.
His diverse experience also includes serving as Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Transport Commissioner, and Director in various departments, reflecting his adaptability and wide-ranging expertise. Notably, he underwent foreign training in the United States, further enriching his global perspective on governance and public policy.
Throughout his career, Shri Ashok Kumar Kaluaram Meena has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, integrity, and public service. His ability to integrate technology, finance, and governance has made him a key figure in policy implementation and administrative reforms. His leadership continues to contribute significantly to India’s development, particularly in critical sectors such as water resources, food security, and rural development.
With a career defined by impactful contributions and a forward-looking approach, Shri Meena stands as a prominent example of dedicated public service in the Indian Bureaucracy Latest News, inspiring future generations of civil servants.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Ashok Kumar Kaluaram Meena the very best.