Shri Sanjay Prasad, a 1995 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has had a distinguished career marked by a range of significant appointments at both the state and central levels. His professional journey showcases a steady ascent through various key positions, reflecting his competence in handling diverse portfolios.
Born in Bihar and proficient in Hindi and English, Shri Prasad has a postgraduate degree from Delhi School of Economics. He has aptly applied his knowledge to his roles in public administration, district management and infrastructure development.
After completing his foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, IAS Sanjay Prasad began his career as a Joint Magistrate in Azamgarh in 1996. Over the next few years, he served in multiple districts, including Muzaffarnagar, Ranikhet, and Gorakhpur, holding positions such as Chief Development Officer and District Magistrate. These roles allowed him to gain extensive experience in land revenue management, district administration, and public administration.
His tenure as District Magistrate in districts like Lakhimpur Kheri, Maharajganj, Bahraich, Faizabad, Firozabad, Agra, Ghazipur, and Allahabad from 2000 to 2011 provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and intricacies of district governance. His work during this period was pivotal in shaping his expertise in implementing developmental initiatives and overseeing district-level operations for which he received several awards during his tenure as DM.
Shri Prasad then went on to serve as Secretary in the departments of Infrastructure, Industry, Power, Health, Home before taking over the role of Managing Director of U.P. Transmission Corporation, UP Power Generation Corporation and UP Ja! Vidyut Nigam in 2014. His leadership in these roles underscored his ability to manage large-scale energy projects, with a focus on hydro-electric power and other energy sectors.
His contributions to Uttar Pradesh’s industrial sector and power generation initiatives helped him gain recognition as an effective administrator capable of managing complex sectors critical to the state’s development.
Shri Sanjay Prasad’s expertise was further honed during his central deputation from 2015 to 2019, where he served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence. This role placed him at the helm of Defence Production and Supplies, and his time in Delhi not only broadened his administrative scope but also gave him significant exposure to policymaking at the national level, especially in defence-related industries.
Upon his return to Uttar Pradesh, Shri Prasad also served briefly as the Secretary, Industries and Managing Director of UP State industrial Development Corporation. His leadership in this department came at a crucial time when UP was poised to take off as a major investment destination.
He is once again setting benchmarks in his current role as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, a position he has held since September 2019. In this capacity, he plays a crucial role in the state’s governance, overseeing key administrative functions related to the Chief Minister’s office, including Home, Prison, Visa & Passport and Information departments.
His extensive experience in both state and central government positions has equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of governance in one of India’s largest states. His work involves coordinating between various departments, implementing state policies, and ensuring effective governance at the highest level.
With almost three decades of experience, IAS Sanjay Prasad remains a key figure in Uttar Pradesh’s bureaucracy, having played a vital role in shaping policies and implementing strategies that influence both the public and private sectors. His commitment to public service, coupled with his diverse portfolio, highlights his importance as a seasoned bureaucrat in India’s administrative landscape.
