Dr. Rathan U. Kelkar is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2003 batch from the Kerala cadre, widely respected for his commitment to public service and administrative excellence. Born on 5 February 1976 and originally domiciled in Karnataka, he entered the civil services through direct recruitment and has since built a career defined by leadership across critical sectors of governance.

With an academic foundation in medicine, holding an M.B.B.S. degree, Dr. Kelkar brings a unique blend of clinical insight and administrative acumen to public policy, particularly in areas intersecting health, technology, and social development. Over more than a decade and a half in government, he has developed a reputation for a strong service orientation and a deep commitment to societal welfare.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kelkar has held several strategic leadership roles within the Government of Kerala. He has served as Secretary of the Electronics & Information Technology and Environment Departments, shaping policy frameworks that advance digital governance and sustainable development. His stewardship has also extended to the technology ecosystem, where he has chaired major state-backed IT infrastructure initiatives such as Infopark, reinforcing Kerala’s position as an emerging technology hub.

In addition to his technology-focused assignments, he has been entrusted with key responsibilities in the health administration landscape, including holding the charge of Secretary, Health and Family Welfare (Medical Education) Department as well as Secretary of the Kerala University of Health Sciences. His role as State Mission Director of the National Health Mission further reflects his involvement in strengthening public health systems and expanding access to quality healthcare.

Dr. Kelkar currently serves as the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, continuing his legacy of institutional leadership by leveraging innovation and stakeholder engagement to enhance democratic participation and governance outcomes. Through a career marked by versatility and forward-looking administration, he exemplifies the modern civil servant—one who integrates technology, policy, and citizen-centric governance to drive transformative impact.