Shri Ashish Srivastava, a stellar 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, is widely recognized as one of India’s most seasoned and versatile bureaucrats. Currently serving as the Secretary of the Inter-State Council Secretariat (ISCS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Shri Srivastava has dedicated over three decades to the service of the nation and the state of Madhya Pradesh. Known for his technical precision, strategic foresight, and commitment to cooperative federalism, he has become a key architect in bridging the gap between state aspirations and national policy.
Academic Brilliance and Early Foundations
Shri Ashish Srivastava’s journey in public service is supported by a robust academic background. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, a discipline that instilled in him a systematic and analytical approach to complex governance challenges. His intellectual curiosity further led him to pursue advanced studies in Political Science, Economics, and Law, providing him with a rare multidisciplinary perspective that has defined his illustrious career across various sectors.
A Legacy of Excellence in Madhya Pradesh
Shri Srivastava’s early years in the Madhya Pradesh cadre were marked by a “people-first” approach to district administration. As the Collector and District Magistrate of Dewas and Barwani, he was lauded for his proactive stance on rural development, public grievance redressal, and efficient implementation of social welfare schemes.
His tenure as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zila Panchayats in Mandla and Indore showcased his mastery over grassroots planning and rural infrastructure. Whether it was managing the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) or leading the Madhya Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (MPSIDC), his leadership consistently resulted in improved operational transparency and developmental momentum for the state.
Guardian of Democratic Values
One of the most significant chapters of Shri Srivastava’s career was his long and impactful tenure at the Election Commission of India (ECI). Serving as Director and later as Director General, he played a pivotal role in modernizing India’s electoral processes. His expertise was instrumental in managing large-scale national elections, ensuring they were conducted with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and technological integration, earning him widespread respect within the national administrative fraternity.
A Leader at the National Level
Shri Srivastava’s administrative acumen has been sought by the highest echelons of the Union Government. He has held critical positions such as:
- Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: Where he managed the fiscal strategies for national health programs during a period of significant healthcare transformation.
- Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development: Where he championed initiatives for child protection and gender empowerment.
- Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat: Where he assisted in the smooth functioning of the country’s highest legislative body.
- Resident Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh, New Delhi: Acting as a vital link between the state government and the Center, he effectively represented Madhya Pradesh’s interests in the national capital.
In March 2025, his empanelment as Secretary to the Government of India further cemented his position as a frontline leader of the Indian bureaucracy.
Why is he one of the ‘Stars of MP’?
Shri Ashish Srivastava is one of the ‘Stars of MP’ because he exemplifies the ideal of a “Complete Administrator”—an officer who is equally adept at managing a remote district and navigating the corridors of power in New Delhi. He is a proud representative of the Madhya Pradesh cadre whose contribution to strengthening India’s democratic framework through the Election Commission and his current role in fostering state-center relations is unparalleled.
He is celebrated not just for his technical expertise and professional integrity, but for his calm and composed leadership style that inspires trust and excellence. By ensuring that the voice of states is heard and integrated into national progress, Shri Srivastava continues to build a stronger, more cooperative India. For his three decades of selfless service and his visionary leadership in governance, Shri Ashish Srivastava is truly a distinguished ‘Star’ of Madhya Pradesh.
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