Shillong, Sept 30: Shakil Ahamed assumed office as the Chief Secretary on Tuesday.
The appointment was after the retirement of Chief Secretary DP Wahlang.
Shakil was born and raised in Marakkarkandy, Kannur, in Kerala.
Shakil, a medical graduate, is from the 1995 IAS batch of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
He will have a tenure of one year and two months.
Speaking to reporters, Shakil said about the long-term development plan that aims to propel progress up to 2032.
He assured to guide state’s efforts towards achieving the set goals.
The plan, outlined by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, provides a clear roadmap for the state’s development, he said.
Shakil said as one of the senior members of the team he will try to guide the vision faster, quicker and better.
“I am confident that the entire team is quite committed, sincere and definitely under the guidance of the chief minister and cabinet ministers, we should be able to achieve it,” he added.
In response to a question, Shakil highlighted the potential for employment in the finance sector, particularly in fintech and accounting. He emphasized that the state is already working on sector-wise plans, which will be reviewed to identify areas of opportunity and support.
On improving the work culture in the state, the new chief secretary expressed his optimism about Meghalaya being a conducive place to work.
Background
Entry into the IAS (1995 Batch): Ahmad secured a top rank in the Civil Services Examination and joined the Indian Administrative Service.
Service in the Prime Minister’s Office: He was selected as Director in the PMO and had the rare honour of serving under both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi.
Diplomatic Service: He worked with the Ministry of External Affairs at the Embassy of India in Moscow, where he managed Indian exports to 19 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Baltics, and the Balkans.
Leadership in National Institutions
CEO, National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD)
CEO, RECTPCL and REC PDCL
CMD, National Horticulture Board
Chairperson, Coconut Development Board, Cochin
MD, National Horticulture Mission & Bamboo Mission
Designed and implemented the Horticulture Revival Package for Jammu & Kashmir
Awards & Recognition
Ahmad’s people-first governance and visionary leadership have earned him many national and international honours:
UN Award – for Community-Based Tourism
British Parliament Award – for leading India’s largest household electrification programme (Saubhagya), covering 3.6 crore households
IUCN Award – for establishing Fish Sanctuaries
Academic Excellence
Selected for MPA (Master of Public Administration) at the University of Texas, USA
Completed Global Strategy & Leadership at Cambridge University.
A beacon of inspiration
Ahmad’s journey to the top post in Meghalaya is a story of dedication, intelligence, and service to the nation. His career continues to inspire countless young minds, showing that with perseverance and integrity, no dream is too big.
