Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1993 batch, AGMUT cadre (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram & Union Territories)
Current Position: Secretary, Ministry of Coal (since October 2024)
🎓 Background & Career
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt is a senior IAS officer from the 1993 AGMUT cadre. He previously served as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), overseeing civil aviation safety, operations, and regulatory compliance.
đź“Ś Appointment as Coal Secretary
In October 2024, Shri Dutt was appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Coal by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. He succeeded an incumbent officer who held additional charge following the earlier Secretary’s transfer. He formally assumed office on 21 October 2024.
🛠️ Responsibilities & Key Focus
As Coal Secretary, Shri Dutt is responsible for:
- Overseeing exploration, production, distribution, and pricing of coal and lignite
- Managing government-owned coal enterprises including Coal India Ltd and Neyveli Lignite Corporation
- Administering auction processes for coal blocks and expanding commercial mine allocations
- Driving production targets aimed at meeting growing demand—from just under 1 billion tonnes to over 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030
- Promoting industrial sustainability through initiatives such as “mining with conscience” that integrate environmental and social considerations in coal mining
đź“ť Summary
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt is a capable and experienced administrator, now heading India’s Coal Ministry at a pivotal time marked by rising energy needs and coal sector reforms. His leadership emphasizes growth, sustainability, and alignment of coal production with national energy security strategies.