Secretary - Dr. Maheshbhai K. Chauhan
Dr. M. K. Chauhan, born on 1 June 1970 in Bavla village, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat, is a registered veterinarian with the state Veterinary Council. He holds a degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare from Indira Gandhi National Open University. His academic qualifications reflect his professional grounding in veterinary science and his specialised interest in animal welfare.
During his 29 years of service with the State Government, Dr. Chauhan served as a Veterinary Officer at both static and mobile veterinary dispensaries and also served as Technical Assistant to the District Head of AH at the District Panchayat in Dangs District from November 1997 to July 2005. In latter phase from May 2019 to October 2020, he served as the District Head of the Animal Husbandry Department and as Member Secretary of the SPCA in Aravalli District. He also contributed his services at the Cattle Breeding Farm in Bhuj, Kutch, where he worked as the Head of Office, focusing on the preservation and development of the Kakrej cow and Banni buffalo breeds.
During this field tenure, he made significant contributions to the successful implementation of the Dairy Development Project in Dangs District. He effectively contributed his service for implementation and execution of Central and State Government veterinary and animal husbandry schemes and activities at the grassroots level, including animal treatment, vaccination, disease control programs, and breed preservation and development. He also played an important role in implementing beneficiary-oriented schemes related to dairy development, fodder development, and sheep and goat development.
From August 2005 to March 2026, he served for nearly 17 years at various intervals in the Office of the Director of Animal Husbandry. During this period, he held positions including Veterinary Officer, Assistant Director, and Deputy Director. He contributed significantly to key portfolios such as state-level regulation of veterinary services and animal health in Veterinary Health Branch at HQ, Animal disease Diagnosis, Prevention, control, epidemiology, & animal welfare in Epidemiology Branch at HQ, and fodder development at Fodder Branch at HQ In addition, he served as the Legal and Administrative Officer. Beyond his routine responsibilities his contributions to legislative matters—such as state amendments, enactments, and the notification of acts and rules—were highly appreciated by the administration.
During his tenure in state head quarter, he assisted the Director of Animal Husbandry in the establishment and functioning of the State Animal Welfare Board at state level and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at district level. He also assists the Director of AH in the role of Member Secretary to the State Slaughterhouse Committee. In addition, he handled various legal matters related to these responsibilities, including correspondence with the Central Government, representation and coordination in High Court cases, and ensuring effective implementation through state offices. His contributions in these areas were also highly appreciated by the administration.
While handling so many tasks responsibly during his tenure he also attended various professional training courses under central and state government that includes Guest Lecture in Kamdhenu University collaborated Animal Welfare Training Course by JCT, Ahmedabad, Planning and Management of Livestock Enterprises Under SGSY by NIRD, Hyderabad, Disasters management training at NIDM-New Delhi, Government Process Re-Engineering by Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Master Training on Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza by SRDDL, Bangalore and Extension Management Skills, by Anand Agriculture University, Gujarat to name a few.
During his tenure he played pivotal role in state level management of “Pashu Arogy Mela Abhiyan ” ,”krushi Mahotsav” and ‘Pashu Palan Maha Samelan” scheme of state Government.
Dr. M.K. Chauhan has received appreciation for his valuable contributions to various events and programs, including the All-India Conference on Livestock and Dairy Development and the Vibrant Gujarat World Agriculture Summit, by the then Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi.
A true animal lover at heart, Dr. Maheshbhai K. Chauhan assumed charge as Secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), on 1 April 2026, and has remained committed to promoting and advancing animal welfare.