M K Shankaralinge Gowda, born on 20 December 1953, is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1986 Karnataka cadre. He holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature. Throughout his career, he served in various capacities including Commissioner, Principal Secretary, Secretary, Additional Secretary, Director, Deputy Commissioner, General Manager, Joint Director, Special Deputy Commissioner, Managing Director, Superintendent, Special Commissioner, and Additional Commissioner. His most recent position was Principal Secretary at Bangalore, Karnataka, from 27 August 2012 to 31 December 2013, within the Horticulture Department.