Shri Neerabh Kumar Prasad, is a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has had an illustrious career spanning over three and half decades. Hailing from Bihar, Mr. Prasad’s academic credentials are as remarkably distinguished as his professional journey. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi, where he graduated with distinction, followed by a PGDM in Financial and Marketing Management from IIM Bangalore. Further, he also done Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) from Princeton University, USA, reinforcing his intellectual foundation for the complexities of public administration.
Mr. Prasad began his career in the Public Service with assignments spanning in Rural Development, Tribal Welfare and District Administration. His initial postings as a Project Officer in Tribal Welfare and Rural Development agencies across East Godavari, Warangal and Krishna districts from 1989 to 1993 helped him engage directly with rural and tribal communities. This phase laid the groundwork for his strong understanding of grassroots governance, an essential aspect of his later roles in Public Policy.
From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Prasad held the role of Joint Collector in Krishna district, where he gained substantial experience in Land Revenue Management and District Administration. His tenure here marked his evolution into a competent administrator, adept at addressing the complexities of land governance, land records and land disputes.
His next assignment as Executive Director with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (APIIC) and Joint Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department was marked with the foundation of marquee Hi-tech City, which over time led to the growth of Hyderabad as an IT City and Cyberabad. It is during this tenure that Government of AP initiated the Single Window Clearances system for industrial clearances in Andhra Pradesh, for the first time.
During the late 1990s Mr. Prasad has undertaken more significant roles, particularly as Additional Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and later as Collectors of Khammam and Chittoor districts. He has successfully dealt with many complex issues, earning the goodwill of people.
From 2000 to 2005, he worked in Government of India. He was one of main architects of the Competition Act, 2002 and setting up of Competition Commission of India. His specialization in regulatory bodies & anti-trust laws in his studies in Princeton University helped him a lot in this exercise.
From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Prasad served as Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh Dairy Development Corporation, contributing to the Rural Development sector promoting the pioneering initiatives of women self-help groups milk collection centres, thereby increasing dairy production. His leadership in the industries sector as Commissioner of Industries from 2007 to 2009, reflects his versatility in handling varied sectors of Public Administration. The period was marked by many new private investments in industrial sector in Andhra Pradesh.
Mr. Prasad’s tenure as Metropolitan Commissioner of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) from 2012 to 2014 was a particularly defining period in his career. Overseeing Urban Development in one of India’s largest metropolitan areas, he was responsible for the planning and management of Urban Infrastructure, addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization in Hyderabad. Completing the northern semi-circle of ORR was a landmark achievement. His efforts in nodal development, online building clearances, cleaning of Hussain Sagar lake, protection of water bodies, slum development and municipal governance showcased his capability to manage complex, multifaceted administrative roles.
In the later stages of his career, Shri Neerabh Kumar Prasad’s leadership qualities came to the fore as he assumed senior bureaucratic positions within the Andhra Pradesh Government. His role as Principal Secretary / Special Chief Secretary in various departments—including Tourism, Labour and Employment, Transport Roads & Building and Environment, Forests and Science and Technology—demonstrated his wide-ranging expertise across different governance sectors.
He was instrumental in the promoting the nodal concept of tourism development in the new State of Andhra Pradesh. Tourism has become a major growth engine for the new State of Andhra Pradesh. Mr. Prasad held the position of Special Chief Secretary in the Labour and Employment Department, where he was instrumental in driving reforms aimed at improving labour welfare and employment generation, critical aspects of regulatory governance, in a State with a large, diverse workforce. As the Secretary of the Road sector, he ran a special programme for making Roads PHF-Pot hole free and successfully achieved the same by developing a strong monitoring system. Major Road works, bridges, flyovers were constructed and planned during the period.
In his role as Special Chief Secretary in the Environment and Forests Department, etched another critical chapter in his career. Here, Mr. Prasad focused on crucial issues of Environmental Sustainability, Conservation and Forestry Management in Andhra Pradesh, a State known for its rich natural resources. His leadership during this period coincided with growing concerns over climate change and environmental degradation, making his role even more significant in balancing development with ecological preservation. He made a Shoreline Management Plan for AP and also prepared a Climate Change Action Plan.
In June 2024, Shri Neerabh Kumar Prasad reached the pinnacle of his administrative career when he was appointed as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh. As the highest-ranking civil servant in the State, Mr. Prasad’s responsibilities encompassed overseeing the swearing in and transition to the new Government. He has used his vast experience across different sectors—Infrastructure, Rural Development, Urban Planning, Industries and Environmental Conservation to provide a holistic leadership to bureaucracy, restoring the image of governance in the State. As the Chief Secretary, he has ensured smooth transition and setting of the new Government, which has gained credibility as a responsive and investor friendly Government.
His tenure as Chief Secretary, although brief due to his scheduled retirement in December 2024, is expected to consolidate his legacy as a dedicated and effective Public Servant. Throughout his career, Mr. Prasad has been known for his strategic thinking, commitment to public service and ability to navigate the complexities of modern governance with integrity and efficiency.
Shri Neerabh Kumar Prasad’s career is a testament to the diverse roles and responsibilities an IAS Officer can undertake towards the service of the nation. From his early days in District Administration to the top leadership roles, Mr. Prasad has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to different governance challenges. His academic background, combined with his extensive field experience, marks him as an accomplished public administrator.
