Hitesh Kumar S Makwana IAS empanelled as Secretary
Shri Hitesh Kumar S Makwana IAS (Tamil Nadu 1995) has been empanelled as Secretary at the Centre.
Shri Hitesh Kumar S Makwana, IAS is a distinguished officer of the Indian Administrative Service whose career reflects depth of experience, technical understanding, and a steady commitment to public service. An officer known for his administrative clarity and grounded leadership style, Shri Makwana has served across a wide range of sectors including urban development, home affairs, water resources, and science & technology, both at the state and central levels. Over nearly three decades in public administration, he has built a reputation for methodical governance and thoughtful policy implementation.
Academically, Shri Makwana holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, graduating with First Class distinction. His technical education provided a strong foundation for his later work in infrastructure development, water management, and urban planning. The analytical discipline of engineering has often reflected in his administrative approach, where planning, precision, and structured execution play an important role.
Beginning his IAS journey in 1995, Shri Makwana underwent training before moving into field administration. His early assignments as Assistant Collector and Additional Collector allowed him to develop a close understanding of district-level governance and grassroots administration. These formative roles shaped his ability to address developmental challenges while maintaining administrative efficiency.
One of his early major responsibilities came when he served as Commissioner in Coimbatore, where he handled urban governance issues and municipal administration. His work during this period involved strengthening urban management systems and addressing the evolving needs of a rapidly expanding city.
He later served as Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, gaining experience in financial administration and revenue management. His exposure to fiscal governance broadened his administrative profile and strengthened his understanding of economic policy implementation.
Between 2002 and 2004, Shri Makwana served as District Collector of Pudukkottai, a role widely regarded as one of the most challenging and impactful positions in district administration. As Collector, he was responsible for overseeing development programmes, maintaining law and order, and coordinating multiple government initiatives. His tenure was marked by careful attention to public welfare and responsive district governance.
Following his district leadership role, Shri Makwana continued to contribute to urban governance as Director and Joint Commissioner in Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Chennai. These assignments involved policy planning and operational oversight in urban infrastructure, water supply systems, and municipal management. His engineering background proved particularly valuable in addressing infrastructure-related challenges.
He later served as Joint Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD), where he was involved in projects focused on improving drinking water access and strengthening water infrastructure in the state.
In 2010, Shri Makwana took on a dual responsibility as Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation and Project Director of the Tsunami Project Implementation Unit. These roles were crucial in supporting urban infrastructure financing and implementing reconstruction projects after the devastating tsunami. His work contributed to strengthening resilience and infrastructure recovery in affected regions.
His experience at the central level expanded when he served in the Ministry of Shipping as Private Secretary, followed by a posting as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. In the Home Ministry, Shri Makwana was involved in policy coordination and administrative matters central to internal governance.
Another important assignment came when he served as Executive Director (Joint Secretary equivalent) at the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. This national mission focuses on restoring and protecting one of India’s most significant rivers, and the role required coordination across multiple agencies and states.
Returning to his cadre responsibilities, Shri Makwana served as Principal Secretary in the Housing and Urban Development Department, Chennai, where he contributed to policy initiatives related to urban planning, housing, and infrastructure development. During this period, he also held the position of Principal Resident Commissioner at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi, acting as an important liaison between the state government and central institutions.
In January 2023, Shri Makwana was appointed Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, further strengthening the leadership team of one of the Government of India’s most critical ministries.
He currently serves as Surveyor General of India (Additional Secretary equivalent) in the Department of Science & Technology, heading the historic Survey of India based in Dehradun. In this role, Shri Makwana oversees the country’s national mapping organisation, which plays a crucial role in geospatial data, mapping infrastructure, and national development planning.
Across his varied assignments, Shri Hitesh Kumar S Makwana has consistently demonstrated balanced judgment, administrative integrity, and a collaborative approach to governance. His ability to work effectively across sectors—from district administration to national policy—illustrates the depth and versatility expected of senior civil servants.
His career continues to reflect the quiet dedication and institutional strength that underpin the functioning of the Indian Bureaucracy, contributing to governance systems that support development and public service across the nation.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Hitesh Kumar S Makwana the very best.