Vikas Shankar Kharage[1] (विकास शंकर खारगे) (born 17 March 1968) is an Indian Administrative Service officer of Maharashtra cadre. Since 9 December 2019 he was posted in Chief Minister's Office (Maharashtra) first as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra and later on 1 August 2024 he was promoted as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra. He holds additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra.
Vikas Kharage was born in Vita, Maharashtra, a rural town of Deccan Peninsula in Sangli District of Maharashtra, on 17 March 1968. His father, a teacher by profession, and mother Rukmini reside in Malinagar where Vikas completed his primary education. He has two children Vyankatesh and Manish. His elder son Vyankatesh married Ms. Alria.
Education
He pursued his B.E. in Electronics and Telecommunications at Government College of Engineering, Pune. In the year 2010, he went on to acquire an M.A. degree (Governance and Development) from IDS, University of Sussex, UK.
Career
After graduating from COEP, he started his career as a lecturer in DKTE Engineering College at Ichalkaranji since he had an ambition for higher education in abroad. However, his urge to work for people and an inclination towards the administration compelled him to quit lectureship and start preparing for UPSC. He joined the State Institute for Administrative Career in Kolhapur and Mumbai for the guidance and studies of UPSC. He cracked the UPSC examination in the year 1994 with an All India 34th rank and 1st in Maharashtra which allotted him IAS with Maharashtra cadre.[2]
Kharage started his career as an Assistant Collector from Bramhapuri in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.[3] Till date, Kharage has undertaken many path breaking projects which have been tremendously successful. He has worked at various districts and departments in the state of Maharashtra and has shouldered varied responsibilities. His hard work and dedication to serve the people of India and ensuring growth in the state is highly appreciated. He remains as an inspiration to many who wish to serve the state of Maharashtra.
Receiving Satyen Mitra National Literacy Award at the hands of Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Hon. Prime Minister of India in 2001
After working as a CEO at Chandrapur, he was posted as a Collector at Yavatmal, a challenging district with 16 tehsils. He strived hard to promote adult education and increasing the literacy rates in the district. His work has been recognized and awarded at the hands of the then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi.
Working as a Collector at Aurangabad, he handled many issues which focused on eradicating child labor. In his INDUS Child Labor project,[4] 4000 children were withdrawn from labor and mainstreamed in education. This got him great recognition in the country. When the Godavari river was flooded in 2006, he undertook the task of rescuing and rehabilitating the affected people, with the help and involvement of other government departments and the community.
Receiving Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award at the hands of Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh, the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra in 2006
During his stint as a Collector in Aurangabad his work was recognized for ensuring communal harmony. He was awarded with the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award,[5] for maintaining peace and communal harmony, through the hands of the then CM of Maharashtra, Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh.
Kharage was posted as Director, Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA) in July 2007. He initiated a design study and commenced a Dual Hand Pump System for drinking water purpose. This pump had the unique ability to run on electricity and solar energy, with manual option available as a backup. He made special efforts for the awareness of groundwater resource, its development and judicial use. Through this scheme, rainwater harvesting becomes mandatory. Pumped water through a single-phase submersible pump is installed in the existing high yielding borewell and the water is stored in a 5,000-litre tank and water supply is provided to each house through a tap. He also contributed to mitigate the drinking water crisis in the Pune Municipal Corporation in 2008–09.
Due to Kharage's initiatives, state's first groundwater study was conducted in Ichalkaranji Municipal Council area. The council was given several remedial options to tackle some groundwater issues. The organization's work was nominated by the state for Prime Minister's Excellence Award in Organization category in 2009. In his dissertation at the University of Sussex, titled "Organisational Change: From Blue Print approach Organization to Community-Oriented Organisation, with a case study of Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency, Government of Maharashtra, India", he talks about how and why organization changes to adopt participatory approach.. The dissertation also probed the challenge of institutionalizing changes and make them sustainable in the long run.
Kharage has implemented, monitored and supervised various maternal and child health related programs while working as a Commissioner (Family Welfare) and Mission Director at National Rural Health Mission. He worked on improving health indicators such as Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) (reducing it from 34 to 25), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) (from 104 to 67) & improving the sex ratio at birth (from 883 to 934). He also contributed in designing, developing and implementing '108 Health Ambulance service'[6] in Maharashtra, where currently 972 BLS and ALS ambulances are in operation. He also commenced the paperless working of his office and gained the identity of first e-office in the state of Maharashtra.[7] These efforts were also recognized when he was conferred the state level first prize of Rs. 10 Lakhs in Rajiv Gandhi Prashaskiya Gatimanta Abhiyan Award at the hands of the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in 2012. He also received an appreciation from the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for leading the rescue team of Maharashtra officials during the Uttarakhand cloud burst disaster in June 2013. Around 3000 Maharashtra pilgrims and tourists were rescued and sent back to state safely.
In his role as Secretary (Forests) for Government of Maharashtra, he launched multiple initiatives such as Mega Plantation Drive,[8] conservation activities in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, commencing Green Army, etc. The Mega Plantation Drive set the objective of planting 50 Crore trees in three years in the State of Maharashtra. To gather public support for plantation, a 'Green Army' of volunteers was established.
Bamboo sector was a restricted domain with lesser development and knowledge to the community. However, with Hon’ble Forest Minister Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar's eminent leadership and Kharage's initiatives, as a Secretary (Forests), Government of Maharashtra established state's first Bamboo Research and Training Centre at Chandrapur.[9] Today, no permission is required for planting, cutting and transporting bamboo. This move has encouraged the bamboo plantation transforming it from a forest product to an agricultural product. Massive plantation, harvesting and transportation has been going on due to such liberalization policy. The area under bamboo cultivation in the state has remarkably increased to 4,462 km2 (1,723 sq mi). Initially, the use of bamboo was known only in making handicrafts. Subsequently, the use of bamboo in various sectors such as in industry, construction, textile and for making furniture was acknowledged. Also, the use of bamboo shoots as a food product was also recognized. The Forest Department also offers a 2-year diploma course to develop skilled expertise in bamboo plantation. Maharashtra is the only state in the country to start such academic course. Further, Maharashtra Bamboo Promotion Foundation in partnership with Tata Trust was established under the section (8) of the company's Act. It works on the principle of "Not for Profit", promotes and facilitate various activities such as organizing bamboo bazar, offering consultancy for construction of bamboo houses, industrial usage, furniture making etc.[10] To revitalize the bamboo sector, the Forest Department initiated the activation of Bamboo Handicraft and Art Unit (BHAU) in 3 universities of Maharashtra namely, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth at Rahuri.[11] The unit aims to impart training and skills to the students who can then work into the bamboo sector.[12]
Vikas Kharage is well known for his sensitivity over the environmental aspects. Plantation of trees and its further maintenance is a herculean task and, thus, cannot be accomplished by the government alone. Considering such factors, Vikas Kharage in the role of Principal Secretary (Forests), led the plantation movement with people participation and involving various stakeholders.
Mega plantation drive was launched under the leadership of Honourable Forest Minister Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, in 2015 to mitigate adverse effects of global warming and maintain ecological balance. Forest Department took the efforts of going an extra mile to plant 50 crore trees in 3 years during "Plantation Week" celebrated between 1 July and 7 July every year.[13] The record making plantation of 2.82 crore on a single day of 1 July 2016 was achieved and has been acknowledged by the Limca Book of Record.[14] The Prime Minister himself mentioned the tree plantation efforts made by the Forest Department in his "Mann Ki Baat" program on 31 July and appreciated the campaign as a People's Movement.
Kharage insisted for the due attention for aftercare survival of plantation which is being monitored by the IT board which developed an application along with geotagging of the saplings making this activity open to the public domain. Transparency is maintained in the system.
As per India State Forest Report 2021 the state's tree cover (forest cover on forest land + tree cover on non-forest land) is around 20%, however it is short of required target of 33% envisaged by National Forest Policy. The efforts of Maharashtra in various sectors are officially recognized by the Government of India.
Following are the four areas where the state of Maharashtra is leading and also documented in the "Status Report on Forest for 2017" at All India level, published by "Forest Survey of India" in February, 2018:
Tree cover in Non-Forest Area has increased by 273 km2 (105 sq mi)[15]
The Mangrove cover has increased by 82 km2 (32 sq mi)
Water bodies in Forest Area has gone up by 432 km2 (167 sq mi)
Increase in the Bamboo plantation area by 4,462 km2 (1,723 sq mi)
According to the Indian Forest Survey Report 2019 released by the Central Government, the area of forest cover in Maharashtra's forest area has increased from 9,831 to 10,806 km2 (3,796 to 4,172 sq mi). This is an increase of 975 km2 (376 sq mi). Maharashtra ranks first in the forest cover in forestry. The forest cover of the state has also increased by 96 km2 (37 sq mi).
The Mangrove cover has increased by 82 km2 (32 sq mi)
Increase in mangroves is mainly seen in Raigad, Mumbai suburbs, Thane, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. Maharashtra stands second in the country in mangrove cover.
In the Indian Forest Survey report from 2014 to 2019, a 147,814-hectare (365,260-acre) area has been announced as Reserved Forests in Maharashtra. Owing to this, Maharashtra has received great name and respect, in terms of environment balance and protection and this work has been mentioned in the IFSR. In a first of its kind, a 24-hour toll free helpline number 1926 called 'Hello Forest' has been set up to provide information regarding plantations, protection and mass awareness.[16] The Forest Department has created a mobile application called 'My Plants' to record details of the plantations such as numbers, species and location into the Forest Department's database.[17] To encourage public participation, the SFD has initiated the 'Maharashtra Harit Sena or Green Army' and aims to expand to one crore members.[18]
Earlier, the counting of the tiger or the chances of a tiger sighting could be guessed by their pugmarks. By using this method, their counting was inaccurate. Having had this in mind, National Tiger Conservation Authority Central Government along with the Wildlife Institute of India, formulated a new way for tiger census in 2006. According to the India Tiger Estimation – 2018, the count of tigers in Maharashtra sums up to 312 in total across all districts.[19] The Tiger Census is done every 4 years.
Vikas Kharage, while handling the subject of Land Acquisition, developed the policy of 'Direct Purchase of Private Land[20]’ through negotiation with the land owners. The process of direct purchase from land owners works in a simpler, faster and transparent way. The policy offers 25% extra compensation than the compensation received as per the Land Acquisition Act.[21] This initiative has been found to be effective in acquiring the land in a short period.
The infrastructural projects in the State like construction of National Highways, Nagpur-Mumbai Prosperity Corridor,[22] Railway Projects etc. require acquisition of a private land. Kharage worked with District Collectors and monitored the land acquisition machinery in the field to acquire the requisite land on priority basis under various Acts. Such diligent working has facilitated the State Government to complete various infrastructural projects within the stipulated time period.
During his posting as Principal Secretary (Forests), Vikas Kharage headed a Committee (later popularly known as Kharage Committee) appointed to study the issues of Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) flowers and make recommendations to the Government on liberalisations of Mahua flower trade. Accepting all the recommendations of Kharage Committee, the collection, storage, transportation and trade of Mahua flowers is now liberalised removing various permissions required earlier.[23] Excise department has issued a Government Resolution (GR) accordingly mentioning the acceptance of the Kharage Committee's recommendations. This decision will be mainly beneficial to the tribal community, who are engaged in the Mahua flower collection, to raise their incomes.
Contribution in preserving Maharashtra's cultural heritage
Maharashtra had no official ‘state song’. Taking note of this and as Principal Secretary, Culture Affairs Department, Kharage took the initiative and made a presentation before the Cabinet. The cabinet approved the song “Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha, Garja Maharashtra Majha” as the ‘state song’ for Maharashtra.[24] This initiative is first time in the history of the state of Maharashtra.
Wagh Nakh (Tiger claws)
During his tenure as Principal Secretary, Culture Affairs Department, Vikas Kharage played a key role in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Maharashtra and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, pertaining to the loaning of Tiger Claws (Wagh Nakh) for a duration of three years to the Maharashtra Government.
Intangible Cultural heritage
Under the leadership of the then Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde, Vikas Kharge in the capacity of Additional Chief Secretary to CM facilitated Maharashtra's participation at 'Concur Internationals 2024'. Maharashtra won the 'Concur Internationals 2024' in Spain. The competition is one of the prestigious international competitions in the art of building human towers (Govinda Pathak). A delegation from Maharashtra visited the famous 'Concur Festival' at ‘Del Pendes Villa Franca' in Spain. The festival is culturally related to the Dahi Handi festival celebrated in India and features human towers.The team from Maharashtra got an opportunity to collaborate with 'Castellars Villa Franca', one of the world's most successful human tower builders.
Other key initiatives in Cultural Affairs department during his tenure:
Ordinance on enhancing protection of state heritage sites protected under ASAMR Act, 1960 which penalises possesion and consumption of intoxicants within premises of state heritage sites.
Government of Maharashtra has published its vision for Culture and heritage preservation and promotion of creative industries through Cultural policy, 2024 of the state.
In his tenure as Principal Secretary, Department of Cultural Affairs, Vikas Kharage played a pivotal role in re-initating Maharashtra State Film Awards, which is one the prestigious awards of Marathi cinema. The Awards ceremony was dormant for several years due to Covid-19 pandemic. The award event was held twice in 2024, covering Marathi cinema released in previous years during the hiatus.
'Paryavaran Mitra' Award given at the hands of Hon. Governor of Maharashtra'COEP Abhiman'Satyen Mitra National Award for successful implementation of Literacy program in Yavatmal district at the hands of Hon Prime Minister of India. (2001)
Rajiv Gandhi Administrative Reforms Award for making NRHM office as 1st paperless e-office in the state of Maharashtra at the hands of Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra. (2012)
9th Earth Care Award for adopting an integrated approach to afforestation with holistic information technology interventions from plantation planning to post plantation survival monitoring. (2019)
'COEP Abhiman' awarded by the Alumni Association of College of Engineering Pune (COEP) to recognize his outstanding contribution in the diversified domain of human welfare. Due to Corona pandemic, the Award Ceremony was held online.
'Paryavaran Mitra' award at the hands of Hon. Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari given by Karnala Charitable Trust, Pune for commendable achievement of 50 crore tree plantation in the State.
Receiving the 9th Earth Care Award for adopting an integrated approach to afforestation with holistic information technology interventions from plantation planning to post plantation survival monitoring
Participated and made a presentation at COP 24 International Climate Change conference at Katowice, Poland (6-10 December 2018)
Study visit to Israel on tissue culture, micro-irrigation techniques and wildlife crisis (6-11 May 2019)
Panel discussion on Promotion of 3 Marathi movies at Cannes film festival with their Directors and producersVisit to Cannes Film Festival in France during 16–24 May 2023. The purpose of the visit was to promote 3 Marathi movies at the global level and also to promote Maharashtra state as a complete destination for the film making.
Visit to London, the United Kingdom (UK), from 28 September to 4 October 2023 to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Maharashtra and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, pertaining to the loaning of Tiger Claws (Wagh Nakh) for a duration of three years to the Maharashtra Government.
Visit to Japan from the 6th to 10 October 2023 to participate in the "India Mela" at Kobe, Japan, with the aim of showcasing Maharashtra's rich art and culture through captivating performances by our cultural troupe.
Visit to Moscow to represent Department of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra at Moscow International Film Week from 24th to 29th August 2024. He gave a plenary session on creative Industries of the future - global experience. Also, presented a case study on Cinepark: A world to get inspired in.
Panchayati Raj book written by Vikas Kharage published by Yashada
He has authored the book Panchayat Raj System: A New Role[25] published by Yashada, Pune. In this booklet, an attempt has been made to present ideas on the basis of personal experience of Vikas Kharage as Collector, Yavatmal on what precautions should be taken by officers while working in this Panchayat Raj system, how to maintain relations with public representatives, how to conduct tours and inspections, how to plan time, etc.
Publication of "Ek Harit Chalval" at the hands of Hon. Chief Minister
He published a book "Ek Harit Chalval" (Marathi Edition) at the hands of Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri. Uddhav Thackeray in January 2021. This book is published by Saket Publication, Aurangabad and depicts an extremely powerful story of the 50 crore tree plantation movement carried out in the state led by Vikas Kharage in the role of Principal Secretary (Forests) in 3 years period i.e. 2017, 2018 and 2019. It gives reader a fascinating experience and certainly it's a pleasure to accompany "Ek Harit Chalval" on its admiring journey. In the end one gets triggered for planting and nourishing trees which is the biggest hype around this book.
Vikas Kharage is known to be active on various social media platforms and actively engages with the community through platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, etc. He has more than 50 videos on his YouTube channel which mainly comprise of speeches at various college events, media interactions, and discussions on key government initiatives. He also enjoys playing flute in his spare time.[26]
