Shri Niraj Verma IAS (Assam Meghalaya 1994) presently Administrator- Universal Service Obligation Fund, Department of Telecommunications has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty- Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice (rank and pay of Secretary ). Shri Niraj Verma will take over as Secretary- Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice on 31.08.2025.
Who is IAS Niraj Verma | Shri Niraj Verma, IAS, a seasoned civil servant with an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice. Prior to this prestigious assignment, he was serving as Administrator of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. Known for his exceptional administrative acumen and consistent contributions to governance, Shri Verma belongs to the Assam-Meghalaya cadre and has held a wide range of responsibilities at both the Centre and the State level.
An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Shri Niraj Verma earned his B.Tech. degree in Electrical Engineering with a first-class record of academic excellence. His quest for advanced knowledge in governance led him to pursue postgraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), where he specialized in Public Management and Policy, graduating with an “Outstanding” distinction. His strong academic foundation in both technology and management has been instrumental in shaping his career as a dynamic officer, blending technical insight with policy-making and administrative leadership.
Shri Verma began his journey in the Indian Administrative Service in 1994 and soon established himself as an officer of dedication, foresight, and integrity. Over the years, he has handled a diverse spectrum of assignments. His career includes pivotal roles such as Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh in Assam, where he was lauded for his hands-on approach in district administration and grassroots governance. His early postings as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Hojai, Kokrajhar, and Sivasagar provided him with deep insights into rural administration and the challenges of public service delivery. These formative years played a vital role in shaping his vision as a people-centric administrator.
Rising through the ranks, Shri Niraj Verma went on to serve as Commissioner and Secretary in key departments including Information Technology, Agriculture, Science & Technology, and Urban Development in Assam. His tenure in these departments was marked by innovative policy measures and the promotion of sustainable development initiatives. As State Project Director of the Assam Rural Infrastructure & Agricultural Services Project (ARIASP), he was instrumental in strengthening agricultural infrastructure, thereby positively impacting the lives of farmers and rural communities.
At the Centre, Shri Verma’s contributions have been equally noteworthy. He served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, followed by his role as Member of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). His work in these positions significantly contributed to strengthening India’s transport infrastructure, a sector that directly impacts economic growth and connectivity. Later, as Private Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), he gained valuable experience in policy planning and coordination at the ministerial level.
In his recent role as Administrator of the Universal Service Obligation Fund, Shri Verma played a critical part in advancing the government’s vision of inclusive digital connectivity. His leadership was central to ensuring that communication services reach underserved and rural areas, a contribution that aligns with India’s broader goals of bridging the digital divide. His efforts not only strengthened telecom infrastructure but also supported socio-economic development in remote regions.
Shri Niraj Verma’s administrative journey also includes prominent stints as Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam in departments such as Home, Power, Urban Development, and Personnel. In these roles, he demonstrated remarkable leadership, policy insight, and the ability to handle complex governance challenges with a balanced approach. His career reflects a fine blend of field-level experience and high-level policy-making expertise, making him a well-rounded officer.
As he takes charge as Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, Shri Verma brings with him a rich legacy of experience and a reputation for efficiency, innovation, and fairness. His appointment to this key role is a recognition of his long-standing service, dedication, and proven track record in administration. Colleagues and stakeholders alike admire his clarity of vision, ability to drive reforms, and unwavering commitment to public welfare.
Shri Niraj Verma’s journey exemplifies the ethos of the Indian Administrative Service—service before self, resilience in challenges, and excellence in execution. His appointment as OSD in the Ministry of Law & Justice is expected to further strengthen the institution with his insightful leadership and dedication to justice delivery. His career stands as an inspiring example for younger officers and aspirants of civil services who seek to make a meaningful difference in governance.
INdianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Niraj Verma the very best.