Veteran IAS Officer Bharat Khera Takes Charge as MSME Secretary

One of the defining phases of Shri Khera’s career was his tenure in the Ministry of Defence, where he served for over five years (2014–2020) as Joint Secretary.

In a significant administrative development at a time when India's small business ecosystem is poised for rapid expansion, Shri Bharat Khera, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1995 batch (Himachal Pradesh cadre), has assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

His appointment comes at a crucial juncture, as the MSME sector—often described as the backbone of India's economy—continues to play a central role in driving economic growth, employment generation, exports, and manufacturing competitiveness, contributing over 30% to the country's GDP.

A Strategic Appointment Amid India's MSME Transformation

With India targeting the ambitious goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy and advancing toward the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the MSME Ministry is expected to play a pivotal role in scaling innovation, formalization, and global competitiveness.

Shri Khera's appointment is widely seen as a move to bring deep administrative experience, cross-sectoral expertise, and policy-driven leadership to the sector, which comprises more than 63 million enterprises and employs over 110 million people across the country.

Three Decades of Diverse Administrative Leadership

Bringing over 30 years of experience in governance, Shri Khera has held several key positions across both the Central Government and the Government of Himachal Pradesh, building a strong track record in policy formulation, institutional leadership, and program execution.

Prior to his current role, he served as:

• Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, where he was involved in strengthening consumer protection frameworks and regulatory systems

Key Role in Defence and National Strategic Functions

One of the defining phases of Shri Khera's career was his tenure in the Ministry of Defence, where he served for over five years (2014–2020) as Joint Secretary.

During this period:

• As Joint Secretary (Air), he handled critical matters related to the Indian Air Force

• Coordinated national ceremonial events, including Republic Day celebrations, for four consecutive years (2017–2020)

• Oversaw operations related to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• Played a key role in international defence cooperation

His experience in defence administration adds a strategic dimension to his leadership, particularly relevant for MSMEs engaged in defence manufacturing and supply chains.

Driving 'Make in India' Through Defence Production

While serving in the Department of Defence Production, Shri Khera was a Board Member of several major defence public sector undertakings, including:

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited

• Goa Shipyard Limited

• Hindustan Shipyard Limited

In these roles, he contributed to:

• Strengthening defence infrastructure projects

• Advancing the Make in India initiative

• Promoting indigenous manufacturing capabilities

This experience is expected to support MSMEs in integrating into defence production ecosystems and global supply chains.

Policy Leadership During the Pandemic

Shri Khera also served as Joint Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, where he handled the Commerce & Industry and Technology verticals. His tenure coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, during which he contributed to strategic policy coordination and crisis response, reinforcing his capability in managing complex, high-stakes governance challenges.

Strong Academic and Global Policy Credentials

An Electronics Engineer from BITS Pilani, Shri Khera combines technical expertise with advanced policy training. His academic credentials include:

• Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Maxwell School, Syracuse University (USA)

• Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy from the Indian School of Business (ISB)

• Chevening Gurukul Fellowship at the London School of Economics and Political Science

This blend of engineering, public policy, and global exposure positions him well to navigate the evolving demands of a technology-driven MSME landscape.

Extensive State-Level Governance Experience

In Himachal Pradesh, Shri Khera has held several senior leadership roles, including:

• Home Secretary

• Principal Secretary across key departments such as:

  • Public Works

  • General Administration

  • State Taxes & Excise

  • Information & Public Relations

  • Power

• Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister

Earlier in his career, he also led major state enterprises as:

• Managing Director, State Road Transport Corporation

• Managing Director, State Industrial Development Corporation

• Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing & Processing Corporation (HPMC)

MSME Sector: The Backbone of India's Economic Growth

India's MSME sector remains a cornerstone of the economy:

• Contributes over 30% to GDP

• Accounts for nearly 45% of exports

• Employs a significant portion of the workforce across urban and rural areas

With increasing emphasis on digitalization, formalization, access to finance, and global market integration, the sector is entering a transformative phase.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening MSMEs for Viksit Bharat 2047

As Secretary, MSME, Shri Bharat Khera is expected to focus on:

• Enhancing ease of doing business for small enterprises

• Strengthening credit access and financial inclusion

• Promoting technology adoption and digital transformation

• Supporting innovation, startups, and cluster development

• Expanding MSME participation in global value chains and exports

His leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of MSMEs as India accelerates toward becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy.