Dr. Lokesh M., an IAS officer from the 2005 batch, has had a distinguished career in public service, marked by a series of pivotal roles across multiple sectors. With a background in dentistry (BDS), Dr. Lokesh began his journey in the Indian Administrative Service on August 22, 2005, quickly rising through various ranks due to his strong leadership and effective governance.
His initial years saw him serving as Assistant Magistrate and Collector in Aligarh, followed by his appointment as Joint Magistrate and Collector in Saharanpur in 2007. These early experiences in district administration helped Dr. Lokesh hone his skills in governance, particularly in managing law and order, revenue, and development activities at the grassroots level.
In 2008, he was appointed Chief Development Officer (CDO) in Prayagraj, where he played a key role in coordinating developmental projects aimed at improving infrastructure and rural livelihoods. From there, Dr. Lokesh transitioned into more significant responsibilities as District Magistrate (DM) and Collector, beginning with Kaushambi in 2009, followed by postings in Amroha, Ghazipur, and Etah. His tenure as DM in these districts highlighted his focus on ensuring efficient delivery of government schemes, promoting rural development, and addressing public grievances.
In 2013, Dr. Lokesh was appointed Special Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh government, first in the Horticulture & Food Processing Department, and later in the Housing & Urban Planning Department. These roles allowed him to engage in policymaking and urban development, contributing to state-level initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure and housing.
Dr. Lokesh returned to district administration as DM and Collector in Kushinagar and Mainpuri, before being deputed to his home state of Karnataka in 2016. His inter-cadre deputation marked a new phase in his career, where he held various roles, gaining broader experience across different state government departments.
Upon his return to Uttar Pradesh in 2021, he was appointed Divisional Commissioner of Saharanpur, followed by a short stint in Kanpur Nagar as Divisional Commissioner and Labour Commissioner. His work during this period involved overseeing key administrative functions, including labor welfare and industrial development, in one of Uttar Pradesh’s most prominent industrial regions.
As of July 2023, Dr. Lokesh holds the dual responsibilities of CEO of NOIDA and Managing Director of the NOIDA Metro Rail Corporation, a crucial role in managing one of India’s most prominent urban development authorities. His work now focuses on the continued development of NOIDA, including urban planning, infrastructure expansion, and managing the metro system, which plays a vital role in connecting the National Capital Region. His broad experience in district administration and state governance makes him well-suited to guide the region’s growth in his current capacity.
