Akhil Arora, a 1993 batch officer, is regarded as troubleshooter and one of the most effective officers in Rajasthan. Irrespective of political parties in power, Arora gets important responsibility for his problem solving approach and service delivery.
Regarded as ‘Man Friday' of chief ministers, Arora has entered the CMO officially to work as secretary to CM.
Three reasons why Arora was natural choice for Additional Chief Secretary to CM Bhajan Lal Sharma?
Diligent officer: Arora is a soft spoken hard task master. He not only makes his team work hard but leads from the front. Those who work with Arora closely know that even Sunday is not a holiday. Lights of his office are on till late night. That doesn't mean that work can start late in the morning. He is a troubleshooter and has worked closely with former chief ministers.
Innovative and problem solving officer: Arora is the man behind the E-governance model of Rajasthan. He has helmed the Information Technology and Communication department (DoITC) for more than 8 years. His contribution, specially during the formative years of DoITC (December 2013-2018 December), is worth mentioning. During that period, Arora led Rajasthan to become one of the hitech states with IT intervention. His innovative ideas and out of box thinking results into problem solving.
Meticulous: Arora has also got the distinction of longest serving Finance Secretary spead across two governments – Congress and BJP. Arora became principal secretary finance in October 2020 during the difficult phase of Corona in Ashok Gehlot government. He continued to helm the post till June 2025. Even the change of government had no effect on his posting. As finance secretary, even his detractors say, Arora juggled well with the finance of the state. He never said ‘No' to any expenditure to projects in public welfare. He managed the coffers well and spared money whenever needed. Secretaries of all departments were happy getting timely support from finance department.
Arora so far has worked out of CMO. But he had worked closely with former chief ministers – Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot. Despite that unlike many officers he has not got any stamping of CM or political party. Just because of his sheer talent and professionalism.
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