Shri Rajiv Gauba

Rajiv Gauba is a former Cabinet Secretary, Government of India. Belonging to 1982 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he brings extensive experience in governance and administrative reforms, and conceptualization and implementation of transformative national initiatives.

Throughout his career in civil service, he has played a pivotal role in policy formulation and execution, driving impactful reforms across a wide range of sectors. His contributions in ensuring effective implementation of flagship programs and strategic priorities are widely acknowledged.

He has held several senior leadership positions, including Cabinet Secretary, Union Home Secretary, Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand.

Professional Experience

1. Cabinet Secretary, Government of India (2019–2024):
   As the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary, he provided strategic leadership to the civil services at the highest level, ensuring smooth inter-ministerial coordination. He played a crucial role in managing India’s COVID-19 pandemic response and in steering key initiatives, such as enhancing Ease of Doing Business, Reduction of Compliance Burden, and Decriminalization of Minor Offences.

2. Union Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (2017–2019):
   Instrumental in shaping and implementing key national security policies and initiatives, including abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir State. Also credited with the formulation and implementation of “National Action Plan to Combat Left Wing Extremism”.

3. Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development (2016–2017):
   Spearheaded the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and Swachh Bharat Urban, and reforms in urban governance.

4. Chief Secretary, Jharkhand (2015-2016):
   Led governance transformation in Jharkhand which contributed to Jharkhand rising from the bottom to the third position in the Ease of Doing Business rankings among Indian states.

5. Senior Adviser to the Executive Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2001-2005)