Bureaucrats Magazine – Shri Nitin Ramesh Gokarn IAS (Uttar Pradesh 1990) presently Principal Secretary, Govt. of UP, PWD, has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary, Govt. of UP, Housing and Urban Planning Deptt, Uttar Pradesh.
Bureaucrats Magazine – Nitin Ramesh Gokarna, who recently got promotion in the fixed pay scale of Rs 2.25 lakh, will be ACS of Housing and Urban Planning Department and State Tax Department.
Bureaucrats Magazine – UP is witnessing unprecedented pace of road construction: Nitin Ramesh Gokarn…………….
Bureaucrats Magazine – At a time when the state of Uttar Pradesh is making headlines for various highways projects, including the completed and under-construction expressways, the UPPublic Works Department has also undertaken a number of initiatives related to road construction in its bid to pitch in for the cause of state’s development.
Bureaucrats Magazine – In an interaction with outgoing Principal Secretary of Public Works Department Nitin Ramesh Gokarn , ETGovernment tried to know about their initiatives, understand how the department is going to make up for the man-days lost to the pandemic, technology adoption for faster execution of the projects and much more.
Bureaucrats Magazine – Having served as Principal Secretary of the Public Works Department for over three years from 27th June 2019 to 1st May 2022, Gokarn took over the charge of Principal Secretary,Housing and Urban Planning Department on 1st May 2022.
Bureaucrats Magazine – How would you describe the present roads and highways scenario in Uttar Pradesh ?…Uttar Pradesh has a total road network of 2,85,000 km. Five years back, the total length of national highways in the state was only about 7,000 km, which today stands at 11,000 km.
Besides, we have constructed an additional 5,600 km of state highways to compensate for the loss of some state highways on being categorised as national highways. The kind of improvement in trunk roads that has happened in the last 4-5 years had not happened in the last 20 years.
Previously, the UP PWD’s NH Division was being sanctioned projects worth Rs 800-2,000 crore annually. But, in the last financial year, we were sanctioned over Rs 13,000 crore, and we are expecting projects worth around Rs 20,000 crore in the current financial year.
Pandemic-induced lockdown presented before us several challenges, including shortage of manpower. But we actually never stopped working. When the issue of migrant workers came up, we started a massive
During the pandemic, road construction work had slowed down. How do you plan to make up for the time and work loss during that period?..Pandemic-induced lockdown presented before us several challenges, including shortage of manpower. But we actually never stopped working. When the issue of migrant workers came up, we started a massive
programme worth over Rs 1,000 crore to give them employment and to keep the work going. We were clocking 1.5 lakh man-days on a daily basis in the state at the peak of pandemic.
Nitin Ramesh Gokarn: A Distinguished Career in Uttar Pradesh Administration
Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, an outstanding civil servant, has been serving the Government of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP) with unwavering dedication and exceptional acumen. With a career spanning several years, he has taken on pivotal roles in various departments, making significant contributions to the state’s development. Currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary in the GoUP, Mr. Gokarn shoulders the responsibilities of the Housing and Urban Planning Department and the State Tax Department. His career journey has been characterized by excellence, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public service
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Bureaucrats Magazine – Early Life and Education
Born with an innate drive to serve the nation, Mr. Nitin Ramesh Gokarn chose the path of civil services to translate his passion into action. With a strong educational foundation, he embarked on this journey of public service. His dedication and hard work led him to successfully clear the Civil Services Examination.
Bureaucrats Magazine – Entry into Civil Services
In the early days of his career, Mr. Gokarn served in various administrative roles, each of which contributed to his growth and development as an officer. His tenure in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has been characterized by a commitment to excellence and a strong work ethic.
Bureaucrats Magazine – Roles and Responsibilities
Over the years, Mr. Gokarn has assumed pivotal roles in different departments of the Uttar Pradesh government, playing a crucial part in the state’s growth and development.
- Housing and Urban Planning Department: In his role as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Planning Department, Mr. Gokarn oversees a wide array of activities that are integral to the growth and development of urban areas in Uttar Pradesh. This includes urban planning, infrastructure development, housing schemes, and the creation of smart cities. His vision for sustainable urban development is focused on improving the quality of life for the state’s residents.
- State Tax Department: As the head of the State Tax Department, Mr. Gokarn plays a critical role in revenue generation for the state. He is responsible for the formulation and implementation of tax policies, ensuring compliance, and modernizing tax administration. His strategies aim to make tax collection efficient and transparent while fostering an environment conducive to business growth.
- Achievements and Contributions
Mr. Nitin Ramesh Gokarn has made noteworthy contributions throughout his career. His achievements include:
- Infrastructure Development: Under his leadership, the Housing and Urban Planning Department has taken significant steps in enhancing urban infrastructure. This includes the development of urban housing, roads, sewage systems, and public spaces, leading to the overall improvement of urban living conditions.
- Urban Renewal: Mr. Gokarn has been instrumental in urban renewal projects that aim to revitalize urban areas, preserve cultural heritage, and create vibrant and sustainable urban environments.
- Revenue Enhancement: In his role at the State Tax Department, he has implemented modern tax collection systems and strategies that have led to increased revenue for the state. His initiatives have improved tax compliance and ease of doing business.
- Policy Innovations: Mr. Gokarn has been at the forefront of policy innovations in the areas of housing, urban development, and taxation. His forward-thinking policies have positively impacted the state’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
- Digital Transformation: Embracing digital transformation, he has introduced e-governance initiatives in the state’s tax administration, making processes more efficient and transparent.
Leadership and Vision
A visionary leader, Mr. Gokarn’s leadership style is marked by a balance of decisiveness and empathy. He has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the state and its people and uses this understanding to drive positive change. His vision for Uttar Pradesh encompasses inclusive growth, sustainable development, and creating opportunities for all.
Conclusion
In a distinguished career, Nitin Ramesh Gokarn has displayed exemplary leadership and a strong commitment to public service. His roles in the Housing and Urban Planning Department and the State Tax Department of Uttar Pradesh reflect his dedication to improving the state’s infrastructure, revenue generation, and overall quality of life for its residents. As an outstanding civil servant, he continues to make a significant impact on the state’s development and prosperity.
