Shri Amrit Lal Meena, an officer of the 1989 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the Bihar cadre, has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His professional journey reflects a steady rise through the ranks of the Indian bureaucracy, marked by his versatility, deep experience across various sectors, and key contributions to both state and central governments. He has recently been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Bihar on 01 September, 2024.
Prior to his current role, Shri Amrit Lal Meena was on central deputation and served as Secretary, Ministry of Coal, a role that underscores his broad spectrum of administrative experience and leadership in some of the most critical departments in the country.
Hailing from Rajasthan and holding a degree in Electrical Engineering, Shri Amrit Lal Meena entered the Indian Administrative Service in 1989 through direct recruitment. His career began in the grassroots of governance, with postings that immersed him in district administration across various districts of Bihar. His early roles as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Begusarai and Sitamarhi from 1991 to 1993 were followed by stints as Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur from 1993 to 1995. These initial assignments exposed him to the challenges of rural development, land revenue management, and district administration, laying the foundation for his future contributions in these critical areas.
Between 1995 and 2004, Meena held significant roles as District Collector and District Magistrate (DM) in multiple districts including Nalanda, Siwan, Bhojpur, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur. These postings were pivotal in shaping his administrative acumen. As a DM, he oversaw the implementation of land reforms, public works, and development initiatives, becoming known for his effective governance and management skills. His tenure in these roles contributed to the streamlining of administrative processes and fostering rural development in one of India’s most populous and challenging states.
Shri Meena’s career took a significant turn in 2004 when he was appointed as Private Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. In this capacity, he served as a close advisor to senior officials, handling crucial portfolios related to rural development policies. His role here spanned over five years, offering him a deep dive into the policymaking and implementation aspects of rural governance at the national level.
Post-2009, Meena transitioned into the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, where he served as Joint Secretary until 2012. During this period, he contributed to the promotion of the food processing sector, a critical area for India’s agro-based economy. His role involved fostering industry growth, streamlining regulatory processes, and encouraging investment in this sector, which is a key driver of rural development and employment.
Returning to the Bihar cadre in 2012, Shri Meena took on increasingly senior roles within the state government. His tenure as Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department from 2012 to 2015 saw him lead urban housing initiatives, a vital area given the rapid urbanization challenges in Bihar. His focus was on improving urban infrastructure and public housing, laying the groundwork for long-term urban planning and development.
From 2015 to 2021, Meena’s career was marked by leadership roles in the Road Construction Department and Land and Buildings Department. As Principal Secretary and later as Additional Chief Secretary, he oversaw major public works projects and infrastructure development in Bihar. His leadership in the Road Construction Department, in particular, was crucial for the modernization of Bihar’s transportation network, enhancing connectivity across the state and supporting economic development. Under his stewardship, the department undertook significant road infrastructure projects, which improved access to remote areas and facilitated smoother transportation of goods and services.
Shri Amrit Lal Meena’s deep understanding of governance led to his deputation to the Government of India in 2021, where he was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In this capacity, he worked on policies that aimed at boosting India’s industrial growth, promoting ease of doing business, and encouraging foreign and domestic investments. His role was instrumental in framing industrial policies that aligned with India’s broader economic ambitions, including the “Make in India” initiative.
In late 2022, Shri Meena transitioned to the Ministry of Coal, first as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and later as Secretary. As Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, he is responsible for overseeing India’s coal sector, which plays a critical role in the country’s energy security. Under his leadership, the ministry has worked on reforming the coal sector, promoting sustainable mining practices, and ensuring the smooth supply of coal to meet the energy demands of the country. His tenure in this role has been marked by efforts to modernize the coal sector, ensuring greater efficiency and minimizing environmental impact, while also navigating the challenges posed by global energy transitions.
Throughout his career, Shri Meena has continued to build on his expertise through various training programs. Notably, he participated in the 13th round of Phase V training as part of the mandatory Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP) in 2019, which is designed for senior civil servants to enhance their leadership skills. Additionally, he attended domestic training sessions focused on public administration and management at premier institutions such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie and the IILM Institute for Integrated Learning in Management, New Delhi.
Shri Amrit Lal Meena’s career trajectory reflects a steadfast commitment to public service and governance. From his early years managing district administration in Bihar to his current role shaping national coal policy, Meena has demonstrated a deep understanding of both grassroots development and national policymaking. His leadership across various sectors, including infrastructure, urban development, commerce, and energy, highlights his versatility as an administrator. With his term on central deputation slated to continue until 2025, Shri Meena remains a key figure in the Indian administrative framework, contributing significantly to the nation’s development and governance.
