Shri Keshav Chandra, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1995 batch of the AGMUT cadre, has had a distinguished career spanning over two decades, marked by diverse roles and significant contributions to governance and administration. With a professional journey that began in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chandra has traversed the complex terrain of Indian bureaucracy, rising to his current position as Chief Secretary to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a role he has held since August 2022. His career reflects a blend of experience in both central government deputations and cadre postings, underpinned by a robust academic foundation and contributions to key sectors like corporate governance, environmental policy, and water management.
Shri Keshav Chandra commenced his IAS career in 1997 with a posting in Arunachal Pradesh as a Junior Scale officer. His early responsibilities were predominantly in land revenue management and district administration, where he served as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) until 2002. This initial phase of his career saw him engage directly with grassroots governance, managing land disputes and revenue matters, and overseeing local administration in remote regions.
In 2002, Shri Chandra was transferred to the National Capital Territory of Delhi, where he continued his work in district administration, serving as Deputy Commissioner of North Delhi, and later South Delhi. These assignments, which lasted until 2005, involved managing urban governance, addressing issues related to land revenue, and overseeing district-level administration in one of India’s most densely populated and dynamic regions.
Shri Chandra’s growing expertise in public administration led to his appointment as Secretary to the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in 2005. Over the next two years, he was instrumental in managing personnel and general administration for one of the most crucial civic bodies in India’s capital. Following this, he transitioned to roles within the NCT of Delhi’s government, including Deputy Secretary for the Rural Development Department and the Art, Culture, and Language Department. His tenure in these departments helped shape Delhi’s rural policies and cultural initiatives, underlining his versatility across sectors.
One of the defining roles of his career in Delhi was as Secretary to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat from 2008 to 2012, where he was at the heart of policy formulation and governance at the highest levels of the state administration. His responsibilities during this period included assisting in the coordination of the Chief Minister’s initiatives and advising on crucial administrative matters. Additionally, he held the position of Director of Information and Publicity, further demonstrating his ability to manage both governmental and public-facing responsibilities.
Contributions to Environment, Water Management, and Education
Shri Chandra’s career has also been marked by his deep involvement in environmental and water resource management. As Secretary to the Environment and Forest Department of Delhi, he played a significant role in framing policies aimed at addressing the city’s environmental challenges, including pollution control and afforestation efforts. His tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) from 2015 to 2017 was particularly impactful. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing Delhi’s water resources, a critical task in a city grappling with water scarcity and quality issues. Shri Chandra’s leadership at DJB saw significant strides in improving water supply infrastructure, addressing leakage and wastage, and ensuring equitable distribution across the metropolis.
In addition to his environmental work, Shri Chandra has also contributed to the education sector. His brief stint as Secretary of the School Education Department in Goa, along with his role in the Women & Child Development Department, underscored his commitment to social welfare and human resource development. These roles reflected his focus on enhancing education systems and promoting the welfare of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Central Government Deputations: Corporate Governance and Economic Affairs
In 2017, Shri Chandra began a significant chapter in his career with his deputation to the Government of India. As Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, he played a key role in formulating policies related to international trade and economic development. This was followed by his appointment as Director in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, where he served from 2020 to 2022. His leadership at SFIO, an institution responsible for investigating and combating corporate fraud, highlighted his expertise in corporate governance and financial oversight. During his tenure, Shri Chandra was involved in several high-profile investigations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining corporate integrity and transparency.
His contributions to corporate governance extended further during his time as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, where he focused on corporate management reforms, strengthening institutional mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with corporate laws.
In August 2022, Shri Keshav Chandra was appointed Chief Secretary to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As the head of civil services in the union territory, he serves as the principal advisor to the Lieutenant Governor on matters of policy and administration. His role involves coordinating the activities of various departments, ensuring the smooth functioning of the administration, and liaising with central government departments to implement development projects.
Under his leadership, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has focused on sustainable development, especially in sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, and environmental conservation. His extensive experience in environmental policy has been particularly valuable in ensuring that the fragile ecology of the islands is preserved while promoting economic growth and development.
Shri Keshav Chandra’s professional achievements are complemented by his strong academic background. A graduate in History with a Master’s in Economics from Panjab University, he later pursued an M.Sc. in Public Management and Governance from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE). His academic work has informed much of his approach to governance, particularly in areas of public policy and management.
In addition to his administrative roles, Shri Chandra has also been an active contributor to intellectual discourse, particularly on issues related to water management, urban development, and environmental policy. He has authored articles for leading publications such as The Economic Times and The Financial Express, offering insights into critical challenges like water supply, urban air quality, and sustainable development. His participation in global forums, such as the Vatican World Water Summit and the I Water Conference in Barcelona, has positioned him as a thought leader in these domains.
Shri Keshav Chandra’s career is a testament to his versatility as an administrator, his expertise across diverse sectors, and his unwavering commitment to public service. From grassroots governance in Arunachal Pradesh to shaping corporate policy at the national level, and now leading the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, his journey reflects the hallmarks of a dedicated and dynamic civil servant. His contributions to environmental policy, corporate governance, and public management continue to leave a lasting impact on the institutions he has served.
