Shri Mukesh Kumar, IAS (1996 batch, Gujarat cadre) is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Government of Gujarat. An alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Syracuse University Maxwell School, he brings over 28 years of administrative experience. He has held key positions including Collector, Municipal Commissioner (Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar), and Managing Director of iNDEXTb, where he led Vibrant Gujarat Summits. As Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner, he played a pivotal role in securing UNESCO World Heritage City status in 2017. He has driven major reforms in education, including GCAS, NEP 2020 implementation, and the Gujarat Public University Act 2023. Known for his strategic vision, he has also promoted startups, smart governance, and social welfare initiatives like PM Poshan and the CM Breakfast Scheme.