Dr. Ravi Kota is a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He assumed charge as the Chief Secretary of Assam on 1 April 2024, becoming the state’s highest-ranking civil servant and Secretary to the Cabinet.
Education & Background
Dr. Kota holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, where he was awarded a gold medal. He has a strong academic background in agriculture and economics, and has served across diverse sectors in both the Government of Assam and the Government of India.
Career and Appointments
- Dr. Kota has held senior positions in both state and central government departments.
- In Assam, he has served as Additional Chief Secretary overseeing portfolios such as Home and Political Affairs, Industries, Commerce, Public Enterprises, and Finance.
- He was instrumental in leading Assam’s transition from VAT to GST and has handled responsibilities related to budget preparation, external resource mobilization, and industrial promotion.
- At the central level, he has served in the Ministry of Finance and was also posted at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., overseeing economic affairs.
Key Responsibilities & Focus Areas
Since assuming office as Chief Secretary, Dr. Ravi Kota has focused on:
- Infrastructure development, especially in the Barak Valley and Silchar region, by monitoring progress of road and health infrastructure projects.
- Spearheading the construction of a new state-of-the-art auditorium at the Janata Bhawan Secretariat Complex in Guwahati, intended to support official events and public programs.
- Leading monsoon preparedness efforts, coordinating with district administrations, disaster response agencies, and departments for flood management.
- Supporting agricultural value chains, including promoting pineapple cultivation and improving livelihoods of tea garden workers through infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
Summary
Dr. Ravi Kota brings a unique combination of academic excellence and deep administrative experience to his role as Chief Secretary of Assam. With a career marked by leadership in financial reform, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness, he plays a critical role in steering Assam’s governance and developmental priorities.