Born: 16 November 1969, Bihar
Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1994 batch, Assam–Meghalaya cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (since April 2025)
🎓 Education & Early Career
Samir Kumar Sinha holds a Master’s degree in History from Delhi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management and Policy from IIM Ahmedabad. He began his administrative career in 1994, first serving as Assistant Commissioner in Cachar (Assam), followed by roles including Sub-Divisional Officer in Kokrajhar and Bijni, and Deputy Commissioner in Tinsukia and Kamrup.
🏛️ Career Progression
Assam State Government
He rose through state-level ranks, holding significant positions such as Finance Secretary, Principal Secretary (Health), and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Assam. His roles involved key policy administration and state governance coordination.
Central Government
At the Union level, Sinha served as Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Ministry of Defence, overseeing procurement and defence material projects.
📌 Appointment as Civil Aviation Secretary
In April 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed him as Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He succeeded Vumlunmang Vualnam and took office with responsibilities including:
- Leasing government airports to private operators
- Strengthening civilian aviation infrastructure, safety, and connectivity
- Responding to aviation incidents, such as being summoned by a parliamentary committee following the Gujarat Air India crash
📝 Summary
Shri Samir Kumar Sinha is a seasoned administrator with expertise spanning state finance, health, defence acquisition, and now civil aviation. His appointment in April 2025 places him at the forefront of India’s aviation reforms, airport modernization, and regulatory oversight—a pivotal time amidst infrastructure expansion and safety enhancement.