Pankaj Joshi is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre. He assumed charge as the Chief Secretary of Gujarat on 31 January 2025, succeeding the previous incumbent in the state’s top bureaucratic position.
Education & Background
Pankaj Joshi hails from Uttarakhand and holds a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering and a Master of Technology in Water Resources Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He also earned an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies, adding depth to his understanding of administrative and policy challenges.
Career and Appointments
- Joshi began his civil service career in Gujarat in 1989. He has served in a variety of senior administrative positions including Collector and District Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner, and Additional Chief Secretary in key departments such as Finance, Energy, Ports & Transport, and Social Welfare.
- Prior to his elevation as Chief Secretary, he served as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2021 to 2025. During this period, he also handled responsibilities in transport, infrastructure, and governance reforms.
- His reputation for administrative acumen and long-standing service in Gujarat made him a natural choice for the Chief Secretary’s post.
Key Initiatives & Focus Areas
As Chief Secretary, Pankaj Joshi has focused on several high-priority areas:
- Driving the “Developed Gujarat 2047” initiative, centered on economic development and quality-of-life improvements.
- Overseeing monsoon preparedness and disaster management, including readiness of district administrations, NDRF/SDRF units, and control rooms to mitigate flood-related risks.
- Leading a comprehensive review of bridge and infrastructure safety, following structural failures in some parts of the state. He has emphasized accountability and proactive inspection measures across departments.
- Coordinating with various departments to implement strategic planning for infrastructure, industry, and urban governance.
Summary
Pankaj Joshi is a veteran civil servant known for his technical expertise, strategic foresight, and administrative leadership. As Chief Secretary of Gujarat, he plays a critical role in shaping policy execution, ensuring governance continuity, and implementing development goals for the state.