New Delhi, 01 May (H.S.):

Bharat Khera assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) on Friday. Prior to taking up his current role, Khera was serving as Additional Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs.

A 1995 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Bharat Khera brings over three decades of administrative experience from both central and state governments to the ministry. During his distinguished tenure with the Government of India, Khera served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence for over five years from November 2014 to February 2020. As Joint Secretary (Air), he handled matters related to the Indian Air Force and was entrusted with coordinating national ceremonial events including Republic Day celebrations continuously from 2017 to 2020.

Additionally, he oversaw matters related to the Border Roads Organisation and international cooperation in the Ministry of Defence. Bharat Khera also served as Joint Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat for nearly two years, where he managed departments related to commerce & industry and technology, and contributed to strategic policymaking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar