Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1992 batch, AGMUT cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Ministry of Co-operation, Government of India (since 2024)
🎓 Education and Background
Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani is a senior bureaucrat with a solid academic background and vast experience in public administration, policy implementation, and sectoral development. He belongs to the 1992 batch of the IAS and is allocated to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh–Goa–Mizoram–Union Territories) cadre. Over the years, he has held several important positions in both state and central governments.
🏛️ Administrative Career
Dr. Bhutani has served in diverse roles across different sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, rural development, and cooperative governance. Prior to his appointment as Secretary in the Ministry of Co-operation, he was known for his work in promoting agricultural sustainability and implementing large-scale national schemes.
đź“Ś Tenure as Secretary, Ministry of Co-operation
Since assuming office as Secretary of the Ministry of Co-operation, Dr. Bhutani has taken major initiatives to strengthen India’s cooperative ecosystem. His efforts focus on:
- Digital and Social Media Integration: Encouraged cooperatives to actively engage with modern communication platforms, including WhatsApp groups and social media handles, to enhance outreach and visibility.
- Policy Reforms and Capacity Building: Advocated for the digitalisation of cooperative registries and introduced model bye-laws to simplify the formation and functioning of cooperatives.
- Support for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS): Promoted the development of multipurpose PACS to serve as comprehensive rural service centers for banking, input supply, and storage.
- Infrastructure Development: Oversaw initiatives aimed at building warehouses, cold chains, and logistical support systems under the cooperative model, especially in states like Rajasthan.
- National Outreach: Spearheaded workshops, summits, and committee meetings to position cooperatives at the core of India’s “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) vision.
đź“ť Summary
Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani brings strategic leadership to India’s cooperative movement. Through digital initiatives, policy reforms, and structural support, he has enhanced the visibility and functionality of cooperatives across the country. Under his stewardship, the Ministry of Co-operation is evolving into a key driver of inclusive economic development.