Education
(1991–1992 in Kerala; 2005–2006 in Mumbai)
Education has always been a personal priority. As Sub-Collector in Kottayam, I was part of the literacy mission that helped Kerala reach 100% literacy. Later, as Additional Municipal Commissioner in Mumbai, I helped launch the School Excellence Program with partners like UNICEF and McKinsey to improve learning outcomes in civic schools.
In both states, I tried to ensure that education wasn’t treated in isolation but linked to broader development goals — whether it was tourism, skills, or urban renewal.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
(Nov 2022 – Dec 2023)
As ACS for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Chair of the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, my goal was to strengthen the state’s start-up ecosystem. We worked on policies to encourage innovation, support incubation centres, and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs.
It was heartening to see our efforts improve Maharashtra’s standing as a start-up friendly state. We also collaborated with institutions like UNICEF, ADB, and the World Bank, and encouraged responsible public-private partnerships.
Finance (Accounts & Treasuries)
(2014–2016 as ACS Finance; 2016–2017 as CEO & MD, SICOM)
In the Finance Department, I worked as Additional Chief Secretary overseeing Accounts & Treasuries, with a focus on improving fiscal management across departments. Later, at SICOM, a state-backed NBFC, I led infrastructure lending and scaled the loan book while keeping NPAs in check.
We also supported SME revival through SICOM-ARC and helped restructure several businesses to support economic recovery. Earlier, while working in the Chief Minister’s Office, I was part of policy reforms that boosted state revenues and FDI — especially during 2013–14.
Infrastructure
(2010–2014)
As Principal Secretary in the Public Works Department, I oversaw a network of 200,000+ km of roads and led a team of over 38,000 engineers. During this time, the Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway project was conceptualized and moved to execution — one of India’s largest road infrastructure projects.
We focused on quality delivery, environmental compliance, and cost-efficiency across all road, bridge, and public building projects. It was a high-responsibility role, but also incredibly fulfilling to contribute to the state’s physical transformation.
Skill Development
(2022–2023)
In my role as Chairman of the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society, I worked on bridging the gap between skills and industry needs. We aligned training programs with actual job market requirements and used tech-based platforms to reach youth in underserved areas.
The goal was to move beyond training numbers — and ensure certification, employment linkages, and entrepreneurial readiness. We partnered with reputed institutions and private players to bring about scalable, inclusive impact.
Transport and Ports
(2017–2022)
During my tenure as Additional Chief Secretary (Transport & Ports), I had the opportunity to work on a range of reforms to modernize Maharashtra’s transport systems. We introduced the State’s Electric Vehicle Policy, which helped accelerate EV adoption and brought national attention. I also worked on policies like Vehicle Scrappage and Automated Testing Stations, and supported public transport undertakings like MSRTC, BEST, and PMPML in moving towards fleet electrification.
On the ports side, I was closely involved in shaping the Maharashtra Port Policies in 2019 and 2022, encouraging private investment in non-major ports. As a board member of both Mumbai Port Authority and JNPA, I helped streamline regulation and promote coastal development.
Tourism
(1992–1997 in Kerala; 2001–2003 in Maharashtra)
My journey with tourism began in Kerala as Managing Director of KTDC, where I worked on the “God’s Own Country” campaign. We were fortunate to see the campaign resonate globally and bring attention to Kerala as a travel destination.
Later, in Maharashtra, I helped develop and launch the Deccan Odyssey — one of the world’s top luxury trains today. We also implemented the Ajanta-Ellora Heritage & Tourism Project with JBIC support, which went on to win a National Tourism Award.
Across both states, we focused on building strong public-private partnerships and sustainable tourism ecosystems.