Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, has announced the appointment of Dr Srivatsa Krishna, IAS, as its Secretary
In a major administrative development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a fresh round of senior secretary-level appointments across key ministries and departments. Among the most notable is the appointment of Dr Srivatsa Krishna, IAS (Karnataka cadre, 1994 batch), as the new Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Dr Krishna takes over from V. Vidyavathi, IAS (1991 batch), who has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The transition marks a significant leadership realignment at a time when India’s tourism sector is preparing for stronger global positioning and renewed domestic momentum.
A topper of the 1994 IAS batch, Dr Krishna brings an extensive and diverse portfolio of administrative experience. He has served in several senior roles in Karnataka, including Secretary – Commerce & Industry, Chairman – Urban Administration and Development, Secretary – E-Governance, and Secretary of the Department of IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology. He has also held leadership roles as Director of IIT Madras and IIM Bangalore, and as Chief Executive Officer & Secretary of the Coffee Board of India.
His professional career includes global exposure as Group Program Manager at the World Bank Group in Washington D.C., where he worked across strategy, finance and risk management. He was part of the foundational team that helped accelerate India’s e-governance framework and contributed to the development of Cyberabad as a significant technology hub.
Dr Krishna holds a postgraduate degree in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, a PhD in Management from IIT Madras, and an MBA from Harvard University. His appointment is expected to strengthen the Ministry of Tourism’s strategic direction as the sector focuses on growth, digital transformation, sustainability and enhanced international outreach.
The ACC’s approval of these appointments underscores the Government’s commitment to reinforcing administrative leadership across priority sectors, with tourism positioned as a key driver of India’s economic expansion in the coming years.
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