New Delhi, India, November 2025 — The Government of India has appointed Neeraj Mittal as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, marking a significant administrative development in India’s energy leadership landscape. A 1992-batch IAS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, Mittal assumes the role following a key bureaucratic reshuffle, taking over from Mr. Pankaj Jain.
Bringing a wealth of governance experience, Neeraj Mittal has previously served as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance India’s digital infrastructure and connectivity. His leadership has been characterized by data-driven policymaking, reform-oriented execution, and the integration of technology into governance systems.
Over his career, Mittal has held several pivotal positions, including Principal Secretary for Information Technology under the Government of Tamil Nadu, CMD at TUFIDCO, and MD & CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu, where he played a key role in driving industrial investment and global partnerships for the state. His earlier role as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provides him with deep institutional knowledge and sectoral expertise that will aid in steering India’s petroleum and natural gas policy with renewed momentum.
Beyond administrative leadership, Neeraj Mittal also served as Senior Advisor at the World Bank Group, contributing to international development programs with a focus on digital transformation and governance reforms. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, he holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management (UK) and a PhD in Management Information Systems from The Ohio State University, USA, reflecting a strong foundation in technology, management, and policy research.
As the new Secretary, Mittal is expected to strengthen India’s energy strategy through sustainable practices, efficient governance, and innovation-led transformation, aligning with the national goals of energy security and economic growth.
About the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas oversees the exploration, production, supply, and distribution of petroleum, natural gas, and related products across India. It also regulates oil refineries, additives, lube blending, and the planning and development of industries in the energy sector. The Ministry’s responsibilities include supporting public sector undertakings such as Engineers India Limited and IBP Company, and guiding the formulation of national energy policies that ensure long-term sustainability and energy security.
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