Pillai is new home secretary; Khullar moves to commerce

06 June 2009

The government of India yesterday appointed Rahul Khullar as the new secretary in the ministry of commerce replacing G K Pillai, who has been appointed as the new Home Secretary. 

Prior to this Khullar served as the secretary of the Department of Disinvestment. Before that he was with the Commerce Ministry as a special sSecretary for two years.

Khullar obtained his Masters degree in Economics from Delhi University and entered the IAS in 1975. He taught at Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University, USA (1983-85) and served as a visiting professor in the department of eEconomics, Boston University, USA during 1990-91 from where he obtained his doctorate.
 
During his tenure in the commerce ministry, Khullar handled negotiations related to the Doha Round of world trade talks.

Tthe outgoing commerce secretary, G K Pillai will take over as an Officer on Special Duty in the home ministry on June 11.

A 1972 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre, Pillai will hold the office of home secretary for two years. He will replace Madhukar Gupta whose tenure has been extended by the previous government for two months.

Pillai will take over as the full-fledged home secretary after Gupta retires on June 30.