Amit Khare, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 batch from the Jharkhand cadre, is a name synonymous with integrity, diligence, and transformative governance. Currently serving as an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khare has left an indelible mark on India’s administrative landscape through his stellar career spanning over three decades. Known for his pivotal role in exposing the infamous Fodder Scam in Bihar and shaping landmark policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the IT Rules 2021, Amit Khare’s journey from a small town in Jharkhand to the corridors of power in New Delhi is nothing short of inspiring.
Early Life and Family Background
Amit Khare was born on September 14, 1961, in Ranchi, Jharkhand (then part of undivided Bihar), into a Chitraguptvanshi Kayastha family known for its religious and cultural values. Growing up in a middle-class household, Khare was instilled with principles of honesty and fearlessness—values he credits to his school principal, R.R. Prasad. His elder brother, Atul Khare, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, also set a high benchmark for academic and professional excellence, topping Kendriya Vidyalayas across India in 1975 with an impressive 85.8% score.
Khare’s early years in Ranchi shaped his worldview, fostering a sense of duty and resilience that would later define his career. His family’s emphasis on education and public service laid the foundation for his future achievements, making him a role model for aspiring civil servants from small-town India.
Education: A Strong Academic Foundation
Amit Khare’s academic journey is a testament to his intellectual prowess. He completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Hinoo, Ranchi, in 1977, where he topped his school with an impressive 79.3% score in his board exams. His academic excellence earned him admission to the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, where he pursued a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics. This rigorous scientific training honed his analytical skills, which later proved instrumental in his administrative roles.
Not content with a single degree, Khare furthered his education by earning an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, one of India’s premier management institutes. This blend of science and management education equipped him with a unique skill set, blending logical reasoning with strategic thinking—an asset that distinguished him in the IAS.
Entry into the Indian Administrative Service
In 1985, Amit Khare cleared the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, securing a position in the Indian Administrative Service. Assigned to the Bihar cadre (later Jharkhand after the state’s bifurcation in 2000), he underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. His entry into the IAS marked the beginning of a career defined by bold decisions, ethical leadership, and a commitment to public welfare.
Career Highlights and Key Contributions
Amit Khare’s 36-year career is replete with significant milestones that showcase his versatility and impact across various domains. Below are some of his most notable contributions:
1. Exposing the Fodder Scam (1996)
Amit Khare rose to national prominence in the mid-1990s when, as the District Magistrate of Chaibasa (West Singhbhum), he unearthed the infamous Fodder Scam. In January 1996, while investigating financial irregularities in the district’s animal husbandry department, Khare discovered withdrawals of Rs. 10 crore and Rs. 9 crore without proper documentation. His raid on the department revealed attempts to destroy incriminating files, exposing a massive embezzlement scheme worth Rs. 940 crore. This led to the conviction of high-profile figures, including former Bihar Chief Ministers Jagannath Mishra and Lalu Prasad Yadav. Khare’s fearless pursuit of justice in the face of political pressure cemented his reputation as an upright officer.
2. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
As Secretary of Higher Education in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Education), Khare played a pivotal role in drafting and implementing the National Education Policy 2020. Approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, the NEP is a transformative framework aimed at overhauling India’s education system. Khare’s expertise in education governance, honed through years of service as Jharkhand’s Elementary Education Secretary and Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University, was instrumental in shaping this policy. The NEP emphasizes universal access, multidisciplinary learning, and technological integration—reflecting Khare’s vision for a modern, inclusive education system.
3. IT Rules 2021
During his tenure as Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Khare spearheaded the formulation of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules establish a regulatory framework for digital media and OTT platforms, addressing issues like misinformation, content moderation, and accountability. His work on this policy highlighted his ability to navigate complex techno-legal landscapes, balancing innovation with governance.
4. Roles in Jharkhand and Bihar
Khare held several key positions in the state governments of Bihar and Jharkhand, including Deputy Commissioner of West Singhbhum and East Singhbhum, Principal Secretary of Finance and Planning in Jharkhand, and Collector and District Magistrate of Patna. His tenure as Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University also saw efforts to enhance higher education quality in the state. These roles underscored his administrative acumen and grassroots connect.
5. Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
After retiring as Higher Education Secretary on September 30, 2021, Khare was appointed as an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 12, 2021, for an initial two-year term. His tenure was extended in 2023 and again in June 2024, reflecting the trust placed in him by the Modi government. In this role, he oversees social sector policies, leveraging his vast experience to drive national development agendas.
Personal Traits and Philosophy
Amit Khare is widely admired for his honesty, fearlessness, and dedication to public service. In an interview with StarsUnfolded, he attributed these qualities to his school principal, R.R. Prasad, stating, “Honesty begets good results. It’s my own learning from life.” His career reflects a steadfast commitment to ethical governance, even in challenging circumstances. Khare’s ability to remain apolitical while working under diverse regimes further highlights his professionalism and integrity.
Training and Skill Development
Throughout his career, Khare pursued continuous learning to enhance his administrative capabilities. Some notable training programs include:
- Public Policy Analysis (1996-1997) at IIM Ahmedabad.
- Basic Course on WTO (2002-2003) at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad.
- E-Governance & Its Benefits (2003-2004) at Tata Management Training Centre, Pune.
These programs enriched his expertise in policy formulation, economic governance, and digital administration, making him a well-rounded bureaucrat.
Legacy and Impact
Amit Khare’s legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to transparency, education reform, and digital governance. His exposure of the Fodder Scam remains a benchmark for anti-corruption efforts, while his contributions to NEP 2020 and IT Rules 2021 have long-term implications for India’s education and media sectors. As an advisor to the Prime Minister, he continues to shape policies that address national challenges, cementing his status as one of India’s most influential IAS officers.
Personal Life
While Amit Khare maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, it is known that he values privacy and focuses on his professional responsibilities. His family background and upbringing in Ranchi continue to influence his grounded approach to life and work.
Top Ten FAQs About Amit Khare IAS
Below are the top ten frequently asked questions about Amit Khare, optimized for search engines to provide quick, informative answers.
1. Who is Amit Khare IAS?
Amit Khare is a retired IAS officer of the 1985 Jharkhand cadre, currently serving as an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is renowned for exposing the Fodder Scam and shaping policies like NEP 2020 and IT Rules 2021.
2. What is Amit Khare’s educational background?
Khare holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, blending science and management expertise.
3. What role did Amit Khare play in the Fodder Scam?
As District Magistrate of Chaibasa, Khare uncovered the Rs. 940 crore Fodder Scam in 1996, leading to the conviction of Bihar’s former Chief Ministers Jagannath Mishra and Lalu Prasad Yadav.
4. When was Amit Khare appointed as PM’s advisor?
He was appointed as an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 12, 2021, with his tenure extended in 2023 and 2024.
5. What is the National Education Policy 2020, and how is Amit Khare linked to it?
The NEP 2020 is a landmark education reform approved in July 2020. Khare, as Higher Education Secretary, was a key architect of this policy.
6. What are the IT Rules 2021, and what was Khare’s contribution?
The IT Rules 2021 regulate digital media and OTT platforms. Khare, as Information and Broadcasting Secretary, led their formulation.
7. Where was Amit Khare born?
He was born on September 14, 1961, in Ranchi, Jharkhand (then part of Bihar), into a Chitraguptvanshi Kayastha family.
8. What positions did Amit Khare hold in Jharkhand?
Khare served as Deputy Commissioner of West Singhbhum and East Singhbhum, Principal Secretary of Finance and Planning, and Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University.
9. What values does Amit Khare uphold?
Khare is known for his honesty and fearlessness, attributes he credits to his school principal, R.R. Prasad, and believes in the power of ethical governance.
10. How long has Amit Khare served in the IAS?
Khare had a 36-year career in the IAS, from 1985 until his retirement in 2021, followed by his ongoing role as PM’s advisor.
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