Dr. Ravi Kota, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has had a distinguished and multifaceted career spanning more than three decades. A 1993 batch IAS officer, Dr. Kota’s journey through the administrative corridors has been marked by a mix of state-level responsibilities in Assam and key postings at the national level. He holds a PhD in Agronomy and was a gold medalist from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), an academic achievement that set the stage for his career in public administration, particularly in areas related to finance, agriculture, and rural development.
Dr. Kota has predominantly served in Assam, contributing 17 years to the state’s administration, while also holding several crucial assignments with the Government of India for eight years. His extensive experience and varied portfolio have prepared him for his forthcoming role as Chief Secretary of Assam, a position he will assume following the retirement of the current Chief Secretary, Paban Kumar Borthakur, in March 2024. This appointment comes at a critical juncture for Assam, positioning Dr. Kota at the helm of one of the most crucial bureaucratic posts in the state.
Before his appointment as Chief Secretary, Dr. Kota served as Principal Secretary for Finance in Assam, where he navigated the state’s financial landscape during a period of significant transitions. His tenure in this position was particularly notable for its focus on managing the post-Planning Commission era, overseeing Assam’s financial dealings during the aftermath of demonetization and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). His leadership in this period was marked by efforts to mobilize internal resources through taxation, market borrowings, and securing external support from multilateral agencies. Such fiscal maneuvering demonstrated his expertise in state finance management and strengthened Assam’s financial stability during a time of national economic change.
Dr. Kota’s work in finance is not limited to state-level achievements. At the national level, he served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, specifically with the 15th Finance Commission. Here, he gained in-depth knowledge of fiscal matters concerning states and Union Territories, contributing significantly to India’s financial planning and allocation. This experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of India’s financial system and its interplay between states and the central government.
One of Dr. Kota’s notable international assignments was his tenure as Minister (Economic) at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. In this role, he focused on enhancing India-US economic relations and fostering climate partnerships. This posting showcased his ability to navigate complex international economic issues, elevating India’s economic diplomacy on a global platform. His contributions in this role further underscore his versatility and expertise, not just in domestic administration but also in international economic relations.
Before these higher-profile assignments, Dr. Kota held various positions in the Assam state administration. He served as Commissioner and Secretary in several departments, including Finance, Urban Development, and Agriculture. His work in these roles laid the groundwork for his later responsibilities, as he handled crucial sectors such as rural development, land revenue management, and urban infrastructure. These early experiences gave him a holistic view of the state’s administrative machinery and helped him build a broad skill set that would be invaluable in his later, more senior roles.
In addition to his current responsibilities, Dr. Kota has held the position of Additional Chief Secretary in various departments, including Home and Political Affairs, where he oversaw internal security matters, including the Passport and Prisons divisions. His role here emphasized his ability to handle a wide range of administrative duties, from policy formulation to the maintenance of law and order.
Dr. Kota’s career also includes a significant role as Principal Resident Commissioner at Assam Bhawan in New Delhi, a position that highlighted his ability to represent Assam’s interests at the national level. This role involved coordinating with central ministries and other state governments, further broadening his administrative capabilities.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kota has been involved in several training programs, both domestically and internationally. He participated in the Phase IV Mandatory Mid-Career Training Program for IAS officers, an essential part of professional development in the Indian bureaucracy. His in-service training has also covered a wide range of topics, including agricultural development, rural infrastructure, and trade policies, further enhancing his expertise in these critical sectors.
As he prepares to take on the role of Chief Secretary, Dr. Kota’s broad experience, both in Assam and at the national and international levels, positions him as a leader who can navigate the complex administrative and economic challenges facing the state. His career reflects a deep commitment to public service, with a focus on fiscal management, agricultural development, and internal security, all of which are crucial for Assam’s future growth and governance.
Dr. Kota’s multifaceted career, from his academic excellence to his varied administrative roles, underlines his capability to steer Assam’s administrative and economic landscape effectively. His experience across different sectors and levels of government equips him with the skills necessary to manage the diverse challenges that come with leading the state’s bureaucracy. As he steps into his new role, his leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Assam’s future trajectory.
