Vibhu Nayar is a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. He currently serves as Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. He assumed charge of the post on 30 November 2023, after serving as Officer on Special Duty in the same ministry for the preceding month.
Education & Background
Vibhu Nayar’s early educational background has not been widely documented in public sources. However, his professional career reflects a strong foundation in public administration, finance, and policy implementation. His service in various central and state government roles has spanned sectors such as external affairs, finance, and tribal welfare.
Career and Appointments
Early Roles and Central Government Positions
Before his current appointment, Vibhu Nayar held several senior administrative positions. He served as Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Ministry of External Affairs, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Special Secretary in 2023. Earlier in the same year, he was empanelled for Secretary-level positions in the Government of India.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
In November 2023, Nayar was appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the rank and pay of Secretary. He formally assumed the role of Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 30 November 2023, following the retirement of his predecessor.
Key Initiatives or Focus Areas
As Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Vibhu Nayar has placed emphasis on integrated tribal development and global cooperation. In March 2024, he led a national summit under the banner of “Viksit Bharat @2047 – Accelerating Tribal Development,” which involved collaboration with multiple international and United Nations agencies. The initiative aimed to strengthen services in areas such as tribal education, healthcare, livelihoods, heritage, and infrastructure.
His leadership has focused on aligning tribal development with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting inclusive growth through strategic partnerships and capacity-building.
Summary
Vibhu Nayar is a seasoned civil servant known for his contributions across multiple ministries, particularly in external affairs and financial management. As Secretary of Tribal Affairs, he has prioritized sustainable development for tribal communities through collaborative frameworks and international engagement. His tenure is marked by a results-oriented approach to inclusive policy execution.