Born: 25 October 1965
Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1990 batch, Odisha cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Ministry of Defence (since February 2024)
🎓 Education & Early Life
Dr. Niten Chandra holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College and Delhi School of Economics, respectively. He also holds an LL.B. from Magadh University and a Ph.D. in Economics from Utkal University. His academic background has been complemented by a strong career in public policy and administration.
🏛️ Administrative Career
Dr. Chandra joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1990 from the Odisha cadre. He has served in diverse roles both at the state and central government levels. His central deputation began in 2019, and he has since held key appointments including:
- Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs (May 2022 – February 2024)
- Member-Secretary, High-Level Committee on “One Nation, One Election”
In February 2024, Dr. Niten Chandra was appointed Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. His tenure is scheduled to continue through October 2025.
đź‘Ą Initiatives as DESW Secretary
Since taking over DESW, Dr. Chandra has emphasized outreach, grievance redressal, and empowerment for ex-servicemen and their families. Major initiatives under his leadership include:
- Samadhan Campaign: A field-driven campaign to address grievances of veterans, widows, and dependents related to pensions, health care, and resettlement. The campaign has seen active engagement in northeastern and border states including Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, and Darjeeling.
- Veteran Support Infrastructure: Oversaw the expansion of services such as Common Service Centres and Jan Aushadhi Kendras in border and remote areas to support veteran families.
- Resettlement & Entrepreneurship: Advocated for veteran-led initiatives in sectors like horticulture with support from state governments and military establishments.
🏅 Legacy & Vision
Dr. Chandra is known for his hands-on governance style, combining policy-making with grassroots implementation. As Secretary (DESW), his focus remains on ensuring dignity, access to entitlements, and economic rehabilitation for ex-servicemen, aligned with the government’s broader vision of “Nation First, Soldier Always.”