Smt. Kavita Garg, an accomplished officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (1999 Batch), serves as Joint Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. She oversees the Ministry’s financial and programmatic divisions including Budget & Gender Budgeting, National AYUSH Mission, AYUSH Grid, Yoga & Naturopathy, NMPB, and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. With over two decades of experience in public finance and administration, she plays a pivotal role in advancing fiscal transparency, digital transformation, and industrial growth in India’s traditional medicine and wellness sectors.
Joint Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH
2022 – Present |
📅 Appointed: 2022
👔 Designation: Joint Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH
🏛️ Government of India
🧾 Departments & Divisions under charge:
Budget & Gender Budgeting Cell – Preparation of annual budgets, performance budgeting, and fiscal monitoring of AYUSH schemes with a gender-inclusive approach
Cash/GST Section – Overseeing cash management, GST-related compliance, and expenditure control across AYUSH bodies
National AYUSH Mission (NAM) – Strategic oversight of the flagship scheme for infrastructure, health service delivery, and capacity building in AYUSH healthcare
AYUSH Grid Branch – Supervising digital integration of AYUSH systems, research, education, and services through a unified technology platform
Yoga & Naturopathy Division – Policy formulation, promotion, and development of Yoga and Naturopathy practices nationally and globally
National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) – Promoting cultivation, conservation, and commercialization of medicinal plants across India
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for AYUSH – Driving industrial growth and export competitiveness of AYUSH products and pharmaceuticals
🌿 Key Responsibilities:
Budget formulation and financial control for the Ministry and its autonomous bodies
Strengthening digital governance through AYUSH Grid and fiscal transparency initiatives
Promoting India’s Yoga and Naturopathy systems through integrated national and international programs
Overseeing sustainable medicinal plant development through NMPB
Ensuring successful implementation of the PLI Scheme to encourage investment and job creation in the AYUSH sector
Director, Ministry of AYUSH
2018 – 2022 |
📅 Appointed: 2018
🏢 Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
🌿 Managed Finance, Schemes, and International Cooperation Divisions
💰 Played a key role in optimizing fund allocation under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) and Centrally Sponsored Programs
📈 Led digital transformation efforts within AYUSH institutions, particularly in fiscal reporting and monitoring
Senior Roles in Finance & Public Policy
2010 – 2018 |
🏛️ Government of India & State Government Assignments
🧩 Served as Director (Finance) and Joint Controller of Defence Accounts
💬 Focus Areas:
Gender budgeting and inclusive financial planning
Integration of Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
Outcome-linked budget formulation for social and development sectors
🌱 Advocated gender-responsive budgeting models in governance frameworks
Early Career in Defence & Financial Management
1999 – 2010 |
📅 Joined the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) — 1999 Batch
🏢 Ministry of Defence (Finance Wing)
🧾 Handled accounts, audit, and budgeting for major defence establishments
📊 Contributed to automation of defence financial management and introduction of e-payment systems
🏆 Recognized for excellence in financial control and transparent procurement systems
Early Life & Education
📍 Birthplace: Rajasthan, India
🎓 Education:
B.A. (Economics) – University of Rajasthan
Master’s in Public Administration and Financial Management
🏛️ Service: Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), 1999 Batch
💼 Known for her expertise in financial governance, public policy, and digital transformation in health and wellness sectors