IAS officer Vijay Kiran Anand has been appointed as CEO of Invest UP, succeeding suspended IAS Officer Abhishek Prakash.
IAS officer Vijay Kiran Anand, a 2009 batch officer, has been appointed as the new CEO of Invest UP and Secretary of the Industrial Development Department. He will continue to serve in his existing role as Kumbh Mela Officer, overseeing preparations for the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025.
This appointment follows the suspension of IAS officer Abhishek Prakash on March 20, after allegations surfaced accusing him of accepting commissions for project clearances, including one involving a solar energy proposal.
Known for his efficient work ethic and close rapport with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Vijay Kiran Anand has built a reputation for prompt and effective administration. He successfully managed the Prayagraj Kumbh in 2019 and has been overseeing preparations for the 2025 Maha Kumbh, having been appointed Mela Officer two years in advance. Despite a crowd-related incident during the 2019 Kumbh, the event saw a smooth 45-day run with over 660 million devotees in attendance.
Key Responsibilities of Vijay Kiran Anand:
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Leading Invest UP as CEO.
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Serving as Secretary of the Industrial Development Department.
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Continuing duties as Kumbh Mela Officer for Maha Kumbh 2025.
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Spearheading investment ceremonies tied to proposals worth nearly ₹30 lakh crore.
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Preparing for a Global Investors Summit to help achieve the ₹110 lakh crore investment goal.
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Possibly overseeing an internal review of past irregularities at Invest UP.
Vijay Kiran Anand’s leadership credentials include being the inaugural Director General of Basic School Education, a post created specifically for him, and later being appointed Director General of School Education following CM Yogi Adityanath’s public praise of his administrative style. Ahead of the 2022 assembly elections, he was also made District Magistrate of Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister’s home district. The state government notably supported him during a controversy surrounding reservation in the recruitment of 69,000 assistant teachers.
