Keshav Chandra assumes charge as Secretary, Ministry of Mines
Senior IAS officer Keshav Chandra on Monday assumed charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Mines, taking over the responsibility of steering the Centre's efforts to strengthen India's mining and mineral sector.
Soon after assuming office, Chandra chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry to review key initiatives and ongoing activities across the sector.
During the meeting, officials briefed him on a range of priority areas, including mineral exploration, the auction and operationalisation of mineral blocks, the development of critical and strategic minerals, and other major programmes being implemented by the Ministry.
"Keshav Chandra, IAS, today assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Mines. Soon after assuming charge, Secretary Mines chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Mines and reviewed the key initiatives and ongoing activities of the Ministry," the Ministry of Mines said.
The discussions focused on the progress of ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing mineral availability, accelerating resource development, and supporting the country's long-term economic and industrial growth.
Emphasising the importance of timely execution, Chandra called for coordinated efforts across the Ministry to ensure the effective implementation of its flagship programmes.
He underlined the need to strengthen India's mineral sector through efficient policy execution and closer collaboration among stakeholders.
“During the meeting, senior officials briefed the Secretary on various important programmes and initiatives of the Ministry, including those related to mineral exploration, auction and operationalisation of mineral blocks, critical and strategic minerals, and other key areas of the mining and mineral sector,” the ministry explained.
“Secretary Mines emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts and effective implementation of the Ministry’s key initiatives to strengthen India’s mineral sector,” it added.
Keshav Chandra is a 1995-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre and takes charge at a time when the government is prioritising critical mineral security, expanding mineral exploration, and accelerating reforms to unlock the country's mineral potential.
