Shri Rajesh Lakhoni IAS (Tamil Nadu 1992) presently Commissioner- Navodaya Vidyalaya
Samiti, Department of School Education and Literacy has been given the additional charge as Director General- National Testing Agency, Ministry of Education for a period of one year by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Who is IAS Rajesh Lakhoni | Shri Rajesh Lakhoni, IAS (Tamil Nadu 1992), is an accomplished and visionary civil servant, currently serving as Commissioner of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. He has been entrusted with the additional charge of Director General, National Testing Agency (NTA), Ministry of Education — a role that reflects the Government’s confidence in his leadership, integrity, and proven administrative capabilities.
A Gold Medalist in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur, Shri Lakhoni further pursued his post-graduation in Communication Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he secured First Rank. His strong academic background in engineering and communication technologies has been instrumental in shaping his evidence-based, analytical approach to governance and policy implementation.
Over his illustrious career spanning more than three decades, Shri Lakhoni has served in several key capacities both in the Central Government and the Government of Tamil Nadu. Prior to his present role, he served as Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, Revenue Administration and Disaster Management Department, Tamil Nadu, where he effectively oversaw state-level disaster response mechanisms and land revenue systems. His tenure as Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) was marked by efforts to modernize the power sector and improve efficiency in energy management.
As Principal Secretary to Government in the Urban Administration and Development Department, he played a pivotal role in steering urban governance reforms, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing municipal service delivery. Earlier, as Chief Electoral Officer and Principal Secretary, Tamil Nadu, Shri Lakhoni earned widespread recognition for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, leveraging technology for voter inclusion and process efficiency.
In previous assignments, he has served as Secretary, Department of Micro and Small Scale Enterprises; Commissioner and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation; and Chairman and Managing Director, State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). His contributions in industrial promotion, tourism development, and small-scale enterprise facilitation reflect his deep commitment to economic development and sustainable growth.
As Commissioner of Municipal Administration, he implemented major reforms in urban planning, public health, and civic infrastructure. His field experience as District Collector of Theni and Kanyakumari districts demonstrated his leadership in public service delivery, disaster management, and community welfare. He also gained valuable international exposure as a Specialist with the USAID-FIRE Project, contributing to urban infrastructure development and capacity building.
Shri Rajesh Lakhoni is widely respected for his professional integrity, reform-oriented approach, and technological foresight. His leadership at the National Testing Agency is expected to strengthen transparency, fairness, and digital transformation in national-level examinations. Known for his commitment to public service and innovation, he continues to exemplify the highest standards of administrative excellence in Indian governance.
INdianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Rajesh Lakhoni the very best.