Bhuvnesh Kumar IAS Takes Charge as UIDAI CEO, Retains Role as Additional Secretary, MeitY

The seasoned IAS officer assumes a pivotal role in India’s digital identity ecosystem.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced that Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995 batch IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has officially assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Kumar, a gold medallist graduate from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, brings extensive experience from his stellar career at both the state and central levels.

A Dual Role at MeitY

While taking on the responsibilities as CEO of UIDAI, Kumar will also continue to serve as Additional Secretary at MeitY. In this role, he oversees critical areas such as cyber laws, data governance, R&D in electronics and IT, cybersecurity, and matters related to NICSI and UIDAI. This dual role underscores his expertise in managing diverse and complex administrative challenges in India’s digital governance framework.

Achievements and Past Experience

Bhuvnesh Kumar has held several key positions throughout his career. In Uttar Pradesh, he served as Principal Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries, and also led departments such as Finance, MSME, and Technical Education. He has previously served as Joint Secretary at MeitY, handling portfolios in sports, youth welfare, and vocational education.

Kumar’s reputation as a versatile and innovative administrator is further solidified by his contributions to critical national initiatives, particularly in the areas of technology and governance. His leadership at UIDAI is expected to enhance India’s Aadhaar system, a key component of the country’s digital infrastructure.

Responsibilities at UIDAI

As the CEO of UIDAI, Kumar will manage and expand the Aadhaar program, a biometric-based digital identity system that is vital for delivering government services and empowering India’s digital economy. UIDAI’s mandate includes ensuring the security, scalability, and accessibility of Aadhaar, which supports over 1.4 billion residents in India.

Focus on Innovation and Inclusion

Kumar’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing UIDAI’s goals of innovation, cybersecurity, and citizen-centric services. His expertise in data governance and cybersecurity aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission of building a robust digital identity infrastructure while safeguarding privacy and data security.

A Visionary for Digital India

With his vast administrative and technical expertise, Kumar’s appointment signals a stronger focus on modernizing India’s digital governance and fostering inclusion. His work is anticipated to make significant strides in improving the operational efficiency and accessibility of the Aadhaar program.