Ms. V. Vidyavathi, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1991 batch, Karnataka cadre, is the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. She assumed charge on 1 June 2023.
Education & Background
V. Vidyavathi holds a postgraduate diploma in public policy and management from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. She is also an Eisenhower Fellow. Her academic background and multilingual capabilities have complemented her administrative experience across diverse sectors.
Career and Appointments
Early Administrative Roles
Vidyavathi began her career in Karnataka, serving in key grassroots and developmental roles across districts such as Shimoga, Gulbarga, and Mandya. She also held central postings in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretariat, and the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
She served as the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before her appointment as Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
Secretary, Ministry of Tourism
She assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism on 1 June 2023. One of her initial responsibilities included reviewing the preparations for G20 Tourism Working Group meetings held in India and coordinating with stakeholders to promote India’s tourism sector on a global stage.
Key Initiatives or Focus Areas
- National Tourism Policy: Oversaw the integration of the Goa Roadmap for tourism into the upcoming National Tourism Policy, emphasizing sustainability and inclusive growth.
- Vibrant Villages Programme: Engaged with local leaders from border villages to promote rural and adventure tourism, eco-sensitive infrastructure, and local employment opportunities.
- Urban Tourism Development: Led efforts to revitalize key tourism locations in Varanasi, with a focus on spiritual tourism, heritage conservation, and enhancing the visitor experience.
- Sustainability and “Travel for LiFE”: Promoted responsible tourism through the “Travel for LiFE” campaign, which encourages environmentally conscious travel practices and community-based tourism.
- G20 Event Management: Successfully coordinated multiple high-profile international events under India’s G20 presidency, showcasing India’s tourism potential and strengthening global partnerships.
Summary
V. Vidyavathi is a senior civil servant with extensive experience in heritage, environment, and rural administration. As Secretary of Tourism, she has championed sustainable tourism, strengthened rural and spiritual tourism circuits, and positioned India as a competitive and responsible global destination. Her tenure reflects a balanced emphasis on policy, grassroots engagement, and international outreach.