Shri Atish Chandra IAS (Bihar 1994) presently Additional Secretary- Prime Minister’s Office has been appointed as Special Secretary- Prime Minister’s Office by temporarily upgrading the post held by him to Special Secretary level (rank and pay of Secretary).
Shri Atish Chandra, IAS, a distinguished officer of the 1994 batch, has recently been appointed as Special Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), having previously served as Additional Secretary in the PMO. His extensive career spans over 28 years, covering central ministries, state administration, rural development, agriculture, consumer affairs, and food distribution. This appointment highlights the government’s recognition of his administrative expertise, strategic insight, and ability to handle complex governance challenges.
Shri Chandra holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from Ramjas College, Delhi University, graduating with First Class distinction, and a Postgraduate degree in Political Science from Delhi University’s Arts Faculty, also with First Class honors. His strong academic grounding in political science has provided him with analytical skills, a nuanced understanding of governance systems, and the ability to navigate intricate policy environments, which have been central to his effectiveness as a senior civil servant.
At the national level, Shri Chandra has held several pivotal positions. Most recently, as Additional Secretary in the PMO (2022–2026), he has been closely involved in policy coordination, inter-ministerial liaison, and strategic decision-making at the highest levels of government. Prior to this, he served as Chairman & Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) (2021–2022), overseeing food supply chain management, ensuring food security, and implementing consumer protection policies. His tenure in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare as Joint Secretary (2018–2021) focused on agricultural development programs, farmer welfare schemes, and rural employment initiatives, reflecting his commitment to strengthening India’s agrarian economy.
Shri Chandra’s experience also extends to state-level governance. He served as Secretary to the Chief Minister of Bihar (2010–2018), coordinating policy implementation and administrative reforms across the state. He held field postings as District Collector and District Magistrate in several districts including Vaishali, Madhepura, Gaya, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar, gaining invaluable experience in district administration, land revenue management, and rural governance. These assignments provided him with a deep understanding of grassroots challenges and public service delivery, shaping his approach to citizen-focused administration.
In addition to his district-level and PMO assignments, Shri Chandra has held important positions in rural development, agriculture, and cooperative sectors. He served as Managing Director of Bihar Co-operative Milk Producers Federation (COMFED), leading dairy development initiatives and promoting industrial and agricultural linkages. He also held leadership positions in Road Construction Departments, Consumer Cooperatives, and Excise & Prohibition Departments, highlighting his versatility and capacity to manage diverse sectors effectively.
Shri Chandra’s career demonstrates a consistent focus on policy execution, institutional efficiency, and citizen welfare. His leadership in managing food distribution, rural employment, and agriculture-focused programs has been marked by attention to detail, strategic planning, and the ability to coordinate large-scale operations. His experience in administrative reforms and high-level coordination makes him particularly well-suited for his current role in the PMO, where policy advice, monitoring, and inter-ministerial coordination are critical.
Throughout his career, Shri Chandra has earned a reputation for integrity, efficiency, and results-driven administration. He combines field-level insight with policy-making capabilities, ensuring that government programmes translate into tangible outcomes. His appointments reflect not only his professional competence but also his commitment to public service and nation-building.
In his new role as Special Secretary in the PMO, Shri Chandra will play a central role in assisting the Prime Minister’s Office in policy oversight, strategic planning, and implementation of national priorities. Given his experience across state and central administration, his deep understanding of governance mechanisms, and his record of effective leadership, he is well-positioned to contribute to high-impact decision-making and the smooth functioning of critical government initiatives.
Shri Atish Chandra’s journey reflects the hallmark of a dedicated IAS officer who has consistently combined administrative expertise, policy insight, and public service dedication. From district administration to leadership roles in central ministries, he has demonstrated adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to delivering results, making him a valuable asset to the government and its mission of inclusive governance and development.
INdianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Atish Chandra the very best.