Ashwani Kumar is a dynamic visionary with a rare blend of administrative acumen and technological foresight. An evangelist for progress, he champions the transformative power of education and technology, believing that unrestricted access to these resources can unlock the limitless potential of humanity—a belief echoed in Jacque Fresco’s words: “When education and resources are available to all without a price tag, there will be no limit to human potential.”
A 2010 batch IAS officer, Ashwani’s journey began in the distinguished classrooms of IIT Madras, where an exceptional academic record laid the foundation for his commitment to building technologically advanced systems aimed at serving his fellow citizens with efficiency and speed. His proactive approach to problem-solving and his deep-seated belief in human goodness drive his work, reflecting a philosophy rooted in “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero”—”Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow (the future).”
Renowned for his versatile leadership, which he has honed since his school days, Ashwani’s ability to manage people and communicate effectively enhances his dynamic profile. His unwavering optimism and disdain for nihilism, pessimism, and complacency reflect a personality that values action over inertia. With an introspective and inquisitive nature, he continues to advance his vision of a future where technology and human potential converge for the greater good.
My Journey
Jan 2025 to Present
Apr 2022 – Present
Honorary Advisor BRICS CCI, New Delhi
Dec 2016 – Jul 2023
Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Minister of Education, Govt. of India
Jul 2016 – Dec 2016
Jul 2015 – Jun 2016
Nov 2014 – Oct 2015
Jan 2014 – Nov 2014
Additional Deputy Commissioner(ADC) Dhemaji & In charge Jonai Sub Division, Govt. of Assam
Read MoreAug 2012 – Dec 2013
Jun 2011 – Jul 2012
Jul 2010 – May 2011
Education
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
B. Tech, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras (2001-2005) offered a strong foundation in electrical sciences, electronics, and computing. The curriculum included core subjects like Circuit Theory, Electromagnetic Fields, Analog and Digital Electronics, Control Systems, Power Systems, and Electrical Machines. Courses on Microprocessors, Communication Systems, and Power Electronics introduced students to modern advancements. Practical learning was emphasized through well-equipped laboratories and hands-on projects. Did electives in Digital Signal Processing, VLSI, and Automation. The final year involved a major project, encouraging research and innovation. The program at IIT Madras provided a strong technical and analytical base, preparing us for dynamic engineering roles.
Activities and societies: Cultural & Literary Activities: Saarang – One of India’s largest cultural festivals featuring music, arts, and literary events. Culturals Club – Drama, music, dance, and fine arts groups. Literary Society (LitSoc) – Inter-hostel literary and debating events.Speaking Club & Quiz Club – Encouraged debates, extempore, and quiz competitions. Sports & Adventure-Adventure Club – Organized treks, rock climbing, and cycling trips. Social Initiatives & Special Interest Groups.Activities and societies: Cultural & Literary Activities: Saarang – One of India’s largest cultural festivals featuring music, arts, and literary events. Culturals Club – Drama, music, dance, and fine arts groups. Literary Society (LitSoc) – Inter-hostel literary and debating events.Speaking Club & Quiz Club – Encouraged debates, extempore, and quiz competitions. Sports & Adventure-Adventure Club – Organized treks, rock climbing, and cycling trips. Social Initiatives & Special Interest Groups.
Director, DITEC & Project Director, AITEC & CSDS, Govt. of Assam
Roles as Director DITEC:-
1.E-Office is a digital governance initiative by MeitY and NIC that enables paperless administration in government offices. It streamlines file management, approvals, and workflow automation, replacing traditional manual processes. Key features include eFile for digital document tracking, eLeave for leave management, eTour for travel approvals, and eService Book for employee records. E-Office enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability, reducing delays and operational costs. It supports cloud-based access, ensuring remote work capabilities. As part of Digital India, E-Office is being implemented across ministries and states like Assam to promote faster decision-making and better service delivery.
2. Enforcement and Implementation of Cyber Laws, the Citizen Charter, ICT Policy, e-Procurement Guidelines, Network Security, Administration of the information Technology Act (21 of 2000) and other IT related laws as enacted by the State and the Govt. of India.
3. To co-ordinate, Implement and Monitor various Policies, Programmes, Projects, Schemes under IT department and Guidelines of Govt. of India.
4. To promote interaction in IT related matters with National & International agencies and bodies.
5. To promote Innovation, Standardization, Testing and Quality in IT application and procedures.
6. To Promote Information Technology in Education and Digital literacy in remote & rural areas of the state.
7. To take initiatives for capacity building and development of Hardware/ Software industry including knowledge-based enterprises, promotion of IT & ITeS, IT exports and maintain competitiveness of the IT & EMC industry.
8. To frame guidelines for e-procurement, ownership, utilization, maintenance and upgradation of core IT infrastructure and assets created by the state.1.E-Office is a digital governance initiative by MeitY and NIC that enables paperless administration in government offices. It streamlines file management, approvals, and workflow automation, replacing traditional manual processes. Key features include eFile for digital document tracking, eLeave for leave management, eTour for travel approvals, and eService Book for employee records. E-Office enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability, reducing delays and operational costs. It supports cloud-based access, ensuring remote work capabilities. As part of Digital India, E-Office is being implemented across ministries and states like Assam to promote faster decision-making and better service delivery. 2. Enforcement and Implementation of Cyber Laws, the Citizen Charter, ICT Policy, e-Procurement Guidelines, Network Security, Administration of the information Technology Act (21 of 2000) and other IT related laws as enacted by the State and the Govt. of India. 3. To co-ordinate, Implement and Monitor various Policies, Programmes, Projects, Schemes under IT department and Guidelines of Govt. of India. 4. To promote interaction in IT related matters with National & International agencies and bodies. 5. To promote Innovation, Standardization, Testing and Quality in IT application and procedures. 6. To Promote Information Technology in Education and Digital literacy in remote & rural areas of the state. 7. To take initiatives for capacity building and development of Hardware/ Software industry including knowledge-based enterprises, promotion of IT & ITeS, IT exports and maintain competitiveness of the IT & EMC industry. 8. To frame guidelines for e-procurement, ownership, utilization, maintenance and upgradation of core IT infrastructure and assets created by the state.
Skills: Information Technology · Management Information Systems (MIS) · Cybersecurity · Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Project Director of AITEC & CSD heads two verticals namely: –
(i) Project Implementation Unit (PIU) responsible for monitoring, operation and management of policies and guidelines under purview of Information Technology Department or as may be authorized by the Government of Assam from time to time and implementation of all direct endeavors of Information Technology Department and Director of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITEC).
(ii) Project Management Unit (PMU) responsible for management and implementation of online citizen service delivery of existing services under the Sewa Setu Portal or any new service to be added to the same. Also, the same PMU shall look after any new Citizen Centric Service Delivery projects to be implemented under Information Technology department with or without external funding.
1. Carries out the function of citizen service delivery of the society and implementation, expansion, and monitoring of these initiatives as well as other e-Governance initiatives;
2. Collaborates with other line departments of the Government of Assam involving financial support or other non- financial assistance, as applicable for the accomplishment of its objectives;
3. Focusses on expanding citizens’ access to services through the identification of new G2C (Government-to-Citizen), G2B (Government-to-Business), B2C (Business-to-Citizen), and G2E (Government-to-Employee) services, private sector services, banking services and Business Process Reengineering (BPR) for all category of services and digitalization of backend services.Project Director of AITEC & CSD heads two verticals namely: – (i) Project Implementation Unit (PIU) responsible for monitoring, operation and management of policies and guidelines under purview of Information Technology Department or as may be authorized by the Government of Assam from time to time and implementation of all direct endeavors of Information Technology Department and Director of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITEC). (ii) Project Management Unit (PMU) responsible for management and implementation of online citizen service delivery of existing services under the Sewa Setu Portal or any new service to be added to the same. Also, the same PMU shall look after any new Citizen Centric Service Delivery projects to be implemented under Information Technology department with or without external funding. 1. Carries out the function of citizen service delivery of the society and implementation, expansion, and monitoring of these initiatives as well as other e-Governance initiatives; 2. Collaborates with other line departments of the Government of Assam involving financial support or other non- financial assistance, as applicable for the accomplishment of its objectives; 3. Focusses on expanding citizens’ access to services through the identification of new G2C (Government-to-Citizen), G2B (Government-to-Business), B2C (Business-to-Citizen), and G2E (Government-to-Employee) services, private sector services, banking services and Business Process Reengineering (BPR) for all category of services and digitalization of backend services.
Skills: Analytical Skills · Government Administration · Information Technology · Leadership · Management Information Systems (MIS).
Joint Secretary Urban Development Department & Mission Director AMRUT and PMAY-HFA(Urban)
State Mission Director supervises a Programme Management Unit (PMU) and a Project Development and Management Consultant (PDMC). State Mission Director to function as Chief Nodal Officer and make State level High Powered Steering Committee (SHPSC) progress of –
Identification of gaps in infrastructure based on SLBs, need for individual and institutional capacity building, ways and means to achieve urban reforms, finalisation of the financial outlays, etc. of the Mission Cities/Towns.
Preparation of the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) based on the Service Level Improvement Plan (SLIP)s of the ULBs of the State prioritising cities and projects based on available resources each year, as prescribed in the Mission Statement and Guidelines.
Look into complaints of poor quality, lack of supervision and other violations. Monitor the quality of work and reports of appraisal by third party assessors and others and take action at their end.
Recommend proposals for release of installment of funds for on-going projects to the National Mission Directorate.
Follow-up action to establish a Financial Intermediary, allocate and release the Central and State share of funds in time for execution of projects.
Recommend a roadmap and milestones for implementation of Reforms in the State/ULBs for approval of the Apex Committee. Review the progress of committed Urban Reforms at the State and ULB level.
Periodically, review the progress of capacity building and training activities.
Organise timely audit of the funds released and review the Action Taken Reports on various Audit reports relating to the earlier Mission and the new Mission and on other reports including that of third party, Project Development and Management Consultants and the elected representatives of the ULBs.State Mission Director supervises a Programme Management Unit (PMU) and a Project Development and Management Consultant (PDMC). State Mission Director to function as Chief Nodal Officer and make State level High Powered Steering Committee (SHPSC) progress of – Identification of gaps in infrastructure based on SLBs, need for individual and institutional capacity building, ways and means to achieve urban reforms, finalisation of the financial outlays, etc. of the Mission Cities/Towns. Preparation of the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) based on the Service Level Improvement Plan (SLIP)s of the ULBs of the State prioritising cities and projects based on available resources each year, as prescribed in the Mission Statement and Guidelines. Look into complaints of poor quality, lack of supervision and other violations. Monitor the quality of work and reports of appraisal by third party assessors and others and take action at their end. Recommend proposals for release of installment of funds for on-going projects to the National Mission Directorate. Follow-up action to establish a Financial Intermediary, allocate and release the Central and State share of funds in time for execution of projects. Recommend a roadmap and milestones for implementation of Reforms in the State/ULBs for approval of the Apex Committee. Review the progress of committed Urban Reforms at the State and ULB level. Periodically, review the progress of capacity building and training activities. Organise timely audit of the funds released and review the Action Taken Reports on various Audit reports relating to the earlier Mission and the new Mission and on other reports including that of third party, Project Development and Management Consultants and the elected representatives of the ULBs.
Skills: Government Administration
District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner, Barpeta
In Charge (CEO) of the overall District Administration of Barpeta District of Assam in western Part of Assam serving a population of 1.7 million roughly equal to the nation of Guinea-Bissau or the US state of Idaho spread across 2243 km².
•Supervised the Administration of around 36 Departments and around 1,800+ employees with an annual budget of $150 million+
•Chairman of District Level Coordination Committee(DLCC) Chairman of District Environment Committee (DEC)
•Chairman of District Level Consultative Committee (DLCC) of Bankers
•Chairman of District Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee
•District Magistrate.
•Chairman District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) DDMA
•District Election Officer
•District Education officer
•District Development officer
•Headed District Treasury as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), managing portfolio of infrastructure financing and economic development programs with capital and operating budgets to the tune of $100 million, superintending around 800 employees of development administration serving a population of 2 million
•Additionally Functioned as Managing Director of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)In Charge (CEO) of the overall District Administration of Barpeta District of Assam in western Part of Assam serving a population of 1.7 million roughly equal to the nation of Guinea-Bissau or the US state of Idaho spread across 2243 km². •Supervised the Administration of around 36 Departments and around 1,800+ employees with an annual budget of $150 million+ •Chairman of District Level Coordination Committee(DLCC) Chairman of District Environment Committee (DEC) •Chairman of District Level Consultative Committee (DLCC) of Bankers •Chairman of District Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee •District Magistrate. •Chairman District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) DDMA •District Election Officer •District Education officer •District Development officer •Headed District Treasury as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), managing portfolio of infrastructure financing and economic development programs with capital and operating budgets to the tune of $100 million, superintending around 800 employees of development administration serving a population of 2 million •Additionally Functioned as Managing Director of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)
Skills: Government Administration · Problem Solving · Strategy · Decision-Making · Program Management · Collaborative Problem Solving · Team Leadership
Joint Secretary IT Dept, GAD Dept, SAD Dept and A. R & T Dept, Govt. of Assam
Supervised the Projects executed by the Information Technology Department, Secretariat Administration Department, General Administration Department and Administrative Reforms and Training Department. The main Projects executed are as follows-
Assam Secretariat e-Pass Application is a G2C and G2G service which provides an efficient and convenient way of issuing various passes to people visiting the Assam Secretariat. This application was one of New Initiatives as a Step of achieving Efficient and Transparent Execution of Schemes/Programmes of Assam State and Govt of India
· e-Prastuti – This project enables Standardization of all websites of Departments of Government of Assam to bring in efficiency, transparency and proficiency in the service delivery system in Assam by presenting a unified and uniform face of all Departments websites compliant with high standards.
· Online Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) an ambitious project to make the government more responsible enabling citizens to lodge their grievances online. These grievances were resolved/addressed in a transparent and time bound manner thus making public servants more sensitive towards problems of citizens.
Secretariat Less Paper office(SLPO) To make the entire process right from creation of a file and till the time a decision is finally taken the entire process of file movement to be paper less i.e. OnlineSupervised the Projects executed by the Information Technology Department, Secretariat Administration Department, General Administration Department and Administrative Reforms and Training Department. The main Projects executed are as follows- Assam Secretariat e-Pass Application is a G2C and G2G service which provides an efficient and convenient way of issuing various passes to people visiting the Assam Secretariat. This application was one of New Initiatives as a Step of achieving Efficient and Transparent Execution of Schemes/Programmes of Assam State and Govt of India · e-Prastuti – This project enables Standardization of all websites of Departments of Government of Assam to bring in efficiency, transparency and proficiency in the service delivery system in Assam by presenting a unified and uniform face of all Departments websites compliant with high standards. · Online Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) an ambitious project to make the government more responsible enabling citizens to lodge their grievances online. These grievances were resolved/addressed in a transparent and time bound manner thus making public servants more sensitive towards problems of citizens. Secretariat Less Paper office(SLPO) To make the entire process right from creation of a file and till the time a decision is finally taken the entire process of file movement to be paper less i.e. Online
Skills: Government Administration
Additional Deputy Commissioner(ADC) Dhemaji & In charge Jonai Sub Division, Govt. of Assam
• Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million in a geographical area of 1111 Square Km.
• Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts
• Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million • Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts• Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million in a geographical area of 1111 Square Km. • Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts • Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million • Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts
Skills: Government Administration · Decision-Making · Project Management · Event Management · Analytical Skills · Collaborative Problem Solving
Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jonai, Dhemaji
• Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million in a geographical area of 1111 Square Km.
• Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts
• Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million • Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts• Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million in a geographical area of 1111 Square Km. • Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts • Headed the administration of sub-division with 400 employees serving a population of 1 million • Responsibilities included maintenance of law and order, the controlling of public distribution system, collection of tax revenue and adjudication of cases under criminal procedure code and land tenancy acts
Skills: Government Administration.
Assistant Commissioner (U/T)
IAS Professional Course Phase II is designed to share the experiences gathered by IAS Officers Trainees all across the country on returning to the Academy. It consolidates the learnings and assimilating the district experiences gained by Trainees in one year. There are interactive sessions of officers Trainees with distinguished experts from within and outside the Govt.
It is followed by Foreign Study Tour to understand best practices overseas. Singapore and Vietnam are covered in this tour.IAS Professional Course Phase II is designed to share the experiences gathered by IAS Officers Trainees all across the country on returning to the Academy. It consolidates the learnings and assimilating the district experiences gained by Trainees in one year. There are interactive sessions of officers Trainees with distinguished experts from within and outside the Govt. It is followed by Foreign Study Tour to understand best practices overseas. Singapore and Vietnam are covered in this tour.
Skills: Collaborative Problem Solving · Analytical Skills · Cultural Diplomacy
IAS Officer Trainee at LBSNAA, Dehradun
Foundation Course:The Duration of Foundation course is around 100 Days where IAS, IPS and IFS Officers undergo this training at LBSNAA Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. There are lot of Cultural Events like India Day, Trekking to different Peaks in Mussoorie, Morning Physical Training, followed by a long Himalayan Trek. After that there is Village Exposure visit where we are supposed to understand the local social and cultural conditions and complete the assignments which helps in building officer like qualities. Then we visit which help in knowing each other. Then there is Village Visit, Himalayan Trek. You also visit National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) and National Institute for the Empowerment of the Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) to understand the difficulties faced by differently abled people.Foundation Course:The Duration of Foundation course is around 100 Days where IAS, IPS and IFS Officers undergo this training at LBSNAA Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. There are lot of Cultural Events like India Day, Trekking to different Peaks in Mussoorie, Morning Physical Training, followed by a long Himalayan Trek. After that there is Village Exposure visit where we are supposed to understand the local social and cultural conditions and complete the assignments which helps in building officer like qualities. Then we visit which help in knowing each other. Then there is Village Visit, Himalayan Trek. You also visit National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) and National Institute for the Empowerment of the Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) to understand the difficulties faced by differently abled people.
Skills: Crisis Communications · Teamwork · Team Coordination