Dr. Mohan Kanda, IAS (Retd.)
3rd Chairman, Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI)
21 February 2019 – 3 May 2024
Dr. Mohan Kanda, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh and former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, is one of India’s most distinguished civil servants, eminent administrators, and public policy leaders. A member of the prestigious 1968 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he devoted more than three and a half decades to exemplary public service, earning national recognition for his integrity, administrative excellence, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to nation-building. His illustrious career also includes serving as Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, where he contributed significantly to strengthening India’s disaster management framework and institutional resilience. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Kanda holds a Doctorate in Mathematics, reflecting the analytical depth and intellectual rigor that have defined his distinguished career in public administration.
Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Kanda held several of the highest positions in the Union and State Governments, contributing extensively to governance reforms, agricultural development, rural administration, public finance, infrastructure development, institutional modernization, and public policy. As Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, he played an important role in shaping national agricultural policies aimed at enhancing productivity, ensuring food security, promoting sustainable farming, and improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers. As Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, he led one of India’s largest state administrations with distinction, spearheading governance reforms, improving public service delivery, strengthening administrative systems, and promoting transparent and accountable governance.
Recognizing his unparalleled administrative experience and his lifelong dedication to public service, the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI) appointed Dr. Mohan Kanda as its 3rd Chairman on 21 February 2019. His appointment marked a defining moment in the organization’s history, bringing to CNRI the leadership of a nationally respected administrator who firmly believed that civil society is an indispensable partner in India’s democratic and developmental journey.
As Chairman, Dr. Kanda ushered in a new phase of institutional strengthening, strategic expansion, and policy engagement. Under his visionary leadership, CNRI consolidated its position as one of India’s premier apex platforms representing voluntary organizations, development institutions, cooperatives, academic bodies, and community-based organizations committed to rural transformation and inclusive development. He consistently emphasized that civil society must function not merely as a beneficiary of government programmes but as an active partner in governance, innovation, policy advocacy, and grassroots empowerment.
During his tenure, CNRI significantly expanded its engagement with the Union Government, State Governments, constitutional authorities, public institutions, universities, research organizations, international development agencies, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Under his guidance, the organization intensified its work in rural development, agriculture, livelihoods, financial inclusion, skill development, women’s empowerment, youth leadership, cooperative development, disaster resilience, digital governance, environmental sustainability, and community institution building. His leadership enabled CNRI to emerge as a respected national platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and evidence-based advocacy.
One of Dr. Kanda’s most enduring contributions was strengthening the institutional governance of CNRI. Drawing upon decades of administrative experience, he introduced greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, strategic planning, professional management, financial discipline, and organizational excellence. He encouraged member organizations to adopt modern governance practices, improve institutional capacity, strengthen documentation and monitoring systems, and pursue measurable social outcomes. These initiatives significantly enhanced the credibility and effectiveness of CNRI and its nationwide network of member organizations.
Believing that the future of development lies in innovation and knowledge, Dr. Kanda encouraged the integration of technology, digital platforms, and data-driven decision-making into the work of civil society organizations. He advocated a shift from conventional welfare approaches towards sustainable, scalable, and impact-oriented development models. His emphasis on evidence-based policymaking and professional excellence helped position CNRI as a trusted partner in national development initiatives.
Drawing upon his extensive experience in disaster management and public administration, Dr. Kanda also emphasized the importance of community resilience, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable natural resource management. He encouraged voluntary organizations to become active participants in building resilient communities capable of responding effectively to natural disasters, climate challenges, and emerging developmental needs.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Kanda remained a steadfast champion of constitutional values, ethical governance, participatory democracy, and inclusive development. He inspired thousands of civil society organizations affiliated with CNRI to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, transparency, accountability, and public service. His leadership strengthened the spirit of collaboration between government and civil society, reaffirming the role of voluntary organizations as trusted partners in India’s socio-economic transformation.
The period from 21 February 2019 to 3 May 2024 represents a defining chapter in the history of the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India. Under the visionary stewardship of Dr. Mohan Kanda, IAS (Retd.), CNRI strengthened its institutional foundations, expanded its national outreach, enhanced its policy influence, and reinforced its position as one of India’s foremost civil society platforms dedicated to rural development, participatory governance, and nation-building. His leadership was distinguished by integrity, administrative excellence, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the partnership between government and civil society.
On 3 May 2024, Dr. Kanda demitted the office of Chairman due to health considerations after rendering exemplary service to the organization. However, his association with CNRI continues with the same spirit of commitment and dedication. As the organization’s Chief Mentor and Guiding Statesman, he continues to provide strategic guidance, institutional wisdom, and invaluable counsel to the leadership of CNRI. His vast experience in public administration, governance, agricultural policy, rural development, and institution building continues to shape the organization’s long-term vision and strategic direction.
For the CNRI fraternity, Dr. Mohan Kanda is far more than a former Chairman. He is an institution builder, an eminent civil servant, an inspiring mentor, and a guiding force whose wisdom, integrity, and lifelong dedication to public service continue to illuminate CNRI’s mission of strengthening civil society, empowering rural communities, and contributing to the realization of an inclusive, resilient, and self-reliant India. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of civil society leaders committed to national development and public service.
