Key of Contents
India’s bureaucratic ecosystem has many names, but few carry the blend of reform, policy influence, and administrative experience as Amit Khare. From shaping the National Education Policy to now holding a top post, Khare’s journey reveals much about governance in contemporary India. This article dives into his background, major roles, achievements, and what his appointment as Secretary to the Vice President means.
Early Life and Education of Amit Khare
Amit Khare belongs to the 1985 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), from the Jharkhand cadre.
He studied at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and later earned his postgraduate degree in Business Administration from IIM Ahmedabad.
Those formative years equipped him with both academic rigor and administrative outlook. Being part of the Jharkhand cadre meant early exposure to tribal, rural, and development issues.
Key Positions Before the Latest Appointment
To understand Amit Khare’s influence, we need to look at the earlier posts he held.
Roles in Education, NEP & PMO
He was Advisor to the Prime Minister, handling matters related to the social sector since October 2021.
He played a central role in formulating and implementing the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
Also associated with the IT Rules / Digital Media Ethics Code under his stint in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Secretarial Roles & Exposure of Key Scandals
Served as Secretary, Information & Broadcasting, Secretary, School Education & Literacy, and Secretary, Higher Education at different times.
As district magistrate in Chaibasa, he exposed the fodder scam in Bihar, which is a notable early contribution to administrative integrity.
Appointment as Secretary to the Vice President
What the New Role Means
The government recently appointed Amit Khare as Secretary to the Vice President of India, namely C P Radhakrishnan.
This will be a contract appointment in the rank and pay of Secretary, for a period of three years from when he assumes charge.
Impact & Expectations
Given his track record, here’s what his appointment suggests:
You can expect continuity in policy implementation, especially in the education sector, given his NEP association.
His experience in I&B and media regulation could influence how the Vice President’s office handles public communication, outreach, and advisory roles.
With his administrative depth, he may help strengthen links between the VP’s secretariat and other arms of government.
Major Contributions & Achievements
National Education Policy (NEP), 2020
One of Khare’s most significant legacies is his leadership in formulating the NEP 2020. As a nodal figure, he helped design policy frameworks that focus on learning outcomes, equity, foundational literacy and numeracy, and holistic education.
Media, IT Rules & Digital Regulation
Amit Khare was involved in defining the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, which have been central to discussions on digital regulation in India.
Integrity & Early Bureaucratic Actions
Exposing the fodder scam early in his career established him as a public servant with both courage and integrity. His roles over time show not just holding high offices but taking key decisions.
People Also Ask – Common Questions & Answers
Who is Amit Khare in Indian bureaucracy?
Amit Khare is a retired IAS officer (1985 batch, Jharkhand cadre) known for his roles as Secretary in various ministries, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and now Secretary to the Vice President. He has been central to major policies like the NEP 2020.
What is Amit Khare’s educational background?
He is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and holds a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from IIM Ahmedabad. These qualifications have influenced both his policy thinking and administrative capabilities.
Why was Amit Khare chosen as Secretary to the Vice President?
His deep experience in education, policy, governance, and media regulation make him a strong candidate. His recent roles, including handling social sector policies in the PMO, show both trust and capability. The appointment likely reflects a desire for seasoned expertise in the Vice President’s secretariat.
What did Amit Khare do in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020?
He was one of the architects and implementers of NEP 2020. He contributed to drafting, policy decision making, and overseeing implementation frameworks. His advice ensured that NEP’s focus on foundation literacy, equity, and multidisciplinary education got strong institutional support.
Challenges & Criticisms
No public figure is without challenge. Some potential areas people discuss:
The complexity of implementing NEP across India, especially in rural, tribal, and low-resource settings.
Balancing regulation of digital media with freedom of expression in his I&B / media regulation roles.
Navigating political expectations and bureaucratic inertia in his new role as Secretary to the Vice President.
What This Appointment Tells Us About India’s Bureaucracy
Seasoned officials like Khare are still being tapped for high roles—even post-retirement—when policy continuity and trust are needed.
There is growing importance of nexus between education, digital media regulation, and social sector governance in India’s policy priorities.
The Vice President’s office is likely to have more active policy advisory and communication roles given Khare’s background.
Future Prospects & What to Watch
How Khare manages the transition to the VP’s office: what policy areas he influences.
Possible involvement in reforms in education, media, digital regulation from a vice‐presidential vantage.
Whether he continues to be involved in public discourse around NEP implementation, regulation of OTT/digital platforms, media ethics etc.
FAQs
Q1: What is the tenure of Amit Khare’s appointment as Secretary to the Vice President?
A1: His appointment is on contract basis for three years from the date he assumes charge, with the rank and pay of Secretary.
Q2: Which batches and cadre does Amit Khare belong to?
A2: He is from the 1985 batch of IAS, belonging to the Jharkhand cadre.
Q3: What major policies is Amit Khare associated with?
A3: He is especially known for the National Education Policy, 2020, involvement in the IT Rules / Digital Media Ethics Code, and earlier roles in education, broadcasting, and exposing the fodder scam.
Q4: What is his educational qualification?
A4: He studied at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and holds a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from IIM Ahmedabad.
Q5: Which roles has he held in central government?
A5: Secretary (Information & Broadcasting), Secretary (School Education & Literacy), Secretary (Higher Education), Advisor to PMO (social sector), and now Secretary to the Vice President.