Shri Rajesh Aggarwal IAS (Maharashtra 1989) presently Secretary- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has been given repatriation to his parent cadre on the request of Government of Maharashtra by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Who is IAS Rajesh Aggarwal | Shri Rajesh Aggarwal is a senior and highly accomplished civil servant widely regarded for his vision, administrative excellence, and deep commitment to inclusive and technology-driven governance. Presently serving as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, he has been repatriated to his parent cadre on the request of the Government of Maharashtra. A graduate in Computer Systems Engineering with first-class distinction, Shri Aggarwal has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of technical proficiency, policy insight, and innovative administrative leadership throughout his distinguished career spanning more than three decades.
Since joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1989, Shri Aggarwal has served in a wide range of positions across the Central Government, the Government of Maharashtra, and Union Territories. His professional journey reflects his versatility and expertise across governance, finance, information technology, social justice, and rural development. As Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), he has led several transformative initiatives aimed at ensuring accessibility, empowerment, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Under his leadership, the Department strengthened implementation of key schemes like Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, and skill development programmes designed to promote socio-economic independence for differently-abled citizens. His efforts emphasized digital inclusion, accessibility in public infrastructure, and a shift from welfare-based to rights-based empowerment.
Before his current assignment, Shri Aggarwal served as Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, where he played a key role in reforming India’s skilling ecosystem, promoting public-private partnerships, and aligning training with industry needs. His tenure was marked by enhanced collaboration between ministries, state governments, and skill councils to improve employability and entrepreneurship among youth. Earlier, as Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, he contributed to fiscal prudence and efficient financial management of India’s strategic energy sector.
Shri Aggarwal also made a lasting mark as Director General, Directorate General of Training, where he strengthened the structure of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and modernized skill delivery mechanisms using technology-based platforms. As Joint Secretary in the Ministries of Finance and Tribal Affairs, he worked on financial reforms, social justice, and tribal welfare, ensuring transparency and efficiency in governance.
In the Government of Maharashtra, Shri Aggarwal served as Secretary in key departments including Finance, Information Technology, and Agriculture. His leadership in the IT Department of Maharashtra was especially notable—he introduced several digital governance initiatives that positioned the state as a leader in e-Governance. His pioneering use of technology for administrative efficiency, grievance redressal, and citizen engagement received wide recognition.
At the Election Commission of India, where he served as Director, Shri Aggarwal contributed to strengthening electoral processes through digital initiatives and data-driven planning. His earlier roles as District Collector, Akola, and Secretary to the Government of Lakshadweep demonstrated his ability to manage both field administration and policy-level governance with equal distinction.
Throughout his career, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal has been known for his professionalism, ethical integrity, and forward-thinking approach. His emphasis on leveraging technology for transparency and citizen empowerment has made a significant impact on the functioning of public institutions. His repatriation to the Maharashtra cadre marks the continuation of a career deeply committed to good governance, innovation, and inclusive development.
INdianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Rajesh Aggarwal the very best.