Mr.Mukesh Kumar Mesharam, an officer from the 1995 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), has had a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades. Born on June 26, 1967, in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, he holds an M.Arch. degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. His academic background and professional expertise have played a pivotal role in his handling of various key assignments throughout his tenure in Uttar Pradesh.
Mesharam began his journey in government service on September 3, 1995, when he was appointed to the IAS. His confirmation to the service came two years later, on September 3, 1997, marking the beginning of a steady rise through the administrative ranks. Early in his career, he served as a Joint Magistrate in Udham Singh Nagar in 1998 and later in Gorakhpur, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to governance and development.
In 1999, Mesharam was appointed as Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ghazipur, where he played a significant role in managing rural development programs. His leadership and administrative capabilities were soon recognized, leading to several subsequent postings as CDO in Raebareli, Gorakhpur, and Deoria between 1999 and 2002.
In May 2002, he took on his first major district-level assignment as District Magistrate (DM) and Collector of Azamgarh, marking the beginning of a series of critical appointments as DM in various districts across Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, Mesharam served as DM and Collector in Banda, Unnao, Mau, Meerut, and Agra, among others. His role as DM of Meerut and Agra, two politically and economically significant districts, was particularly noteworthy, as he effectively navigated complex administrative challenges, including law and order issues, urban development, and infrastructure management.
By 2008, Mesharam had gained considerable experience in district administration and was appointed Director of the State Urban Development Authority (SUDA) in Uttar Pradesh, where he oversaw urban planning and development projects aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. His tenure as Vice Chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority from 2008 to 2010 further cemented his reputation as a leader in urban governance.
In 2010, Mesharam became DM and Collector of Kanpur Nagar, where he tackled industrial challenges and urban management with a focus on sustainable development. He was later appointed Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj in 2011, where he oversaw the coordination of multiple districts in the region and played a key role in managing regional development programs.
His expertise in the health sector came to the fore when he was appointed Mission Director of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in Uttar Pradesh in 2012. During this period, Mesharam also held the role of Executive Director of the State Innovations in Family Planning Services Project Agency (SIFPSA), contributing to significant improvements in healthcare delivery and family planning initiatives across the state.
After serving in various other significant roles, including as Managing Director of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and Commissioner of Commercial Tax, Mesharam took on the position of Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh in several departments, including the Ayush and Medical Education departments, between 2018 and 2019.
Since September 2020, Mukesh Kumar Mesharam has been serving as the Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Culture Department in the Government of Uttar Pradesh, in addition to his role as Director General (DG) of Tourism. He also holds the portfolio of Religious Affairs, where he oversees the promotion of cultural heritage, religious tourism, and the overall development of tourism infrastructure in the state.
Mesharam’s diverse and impactful administrative career reflects his commitment to governance, development, and public service, with significant contributions across sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. His leadership continues to shape key initiatives aimed at promoting Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and boosting tourism in the state.
