GANDHINAGAR: Pankaj Kumar, a 1986 batch IAS officer who was additional chief secretary (home), took charge as the chief secretary on Tuesday afternoon. Outgoing CS Anil Mukim was accorded a warm farewell by his fellow secretaries.
After taking charge, Kumar said, “Gujarat is an extremely progressive state and my role as the new chief secretary will be to further boost the development led by good governance, and ensure all-round development of the state.’’
Kumar had earlier served as secretary to PM Modi when was he was the Gujarat CM. Kumar is known for his pro-active approach in governance and a series of reforms he initiated while serving as ACS revenue. Besides, he has wide experience of leading departments like revenue, home, health & family welfare in various capacities. He also led the state administration in adopting digital governance after the Centre started promoting the Digital India movement.
Kumar was given the direct responsibility of the health & family welfare department after the Covid outbreak and he played a key role in quickly upgrading health infrastructure of the state to meet the pandemic challenge. Although his superannuation is due in May 2022, he is likely to get an extension as assembly elections are due in December next year.
