A. K. Sharma: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by 164.100.26.25
Last edited September 22, 2025
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
m updated page
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Indian politicians}}
{{Short description|Indian politician and former IAS}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = A K Sharma  
| name                = Arvind Kumar Sharma  
| image              = File:AK sharma BJP.jpg
| image              = A-k-sharma-urja-mantri.jpg
| caption            =  
| caption            =  
| office              = [[Vice president|Vice President]] of [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| office              = Minister of Urban Development<br/>[[Government of Uttar Pradesh]]
| term_start          = 19 June 2021
| term_start          = 25 March 2022
| term_end            = Incumbent
| term_end            =  
| office1            = [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council|Member of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council]]
| 1blankname          = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister]]
| term_start1         = 31 Jan 2021
| 1namedata          = [[Yogi Adityanath]]
| term_end1           = Incumbent
| predecessor        = [[Ashutosh Tandon]]
| constituency        = [[Mau district|Mau]]
| office2            = Minister of Energy<br/>[[Government of Uttar Pradesh]]
| office2            = [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| term_start2         = 25 March 2022
| term_start2        = 01/08/1989
| term_end2           =  
| term_end2          = 11/01/2021
| 1blankname2        = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister]]
| predecessor        =  
| 1namedata2          = [[Yogi Adityanath]]
| successor          = Incumbent
| predecessor2        = [[Shrikant Sharma]]
| office3            = Member of [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council]]
| term_start3        = 31 January 2021
| term_end3          =  
| constituency3      = ''elected by Legislative Assembly members''
| birth_name          = Arvind Kumar Sharma
| birth_name          = Arvind Kumar Sharma
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|df=y|11 July 1962}}
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1962|07|11}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Civil List of IAS Officers |url=https://dtf.in/wp-content/files/Civil_List_of_IAS_Officers_-_Appendix_A_-_Combined_Gradation_List_of_IAS_Officers_appointed_on_the_result_of_annual_competitive_Exam._As_on_01.01.2014-civillist.ias.nic.in.htm |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=dtf.in}}</ref>
| birth_place        = [[Mau District|Mau]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| birth_place        = [[Mau District|Mau]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| mother              = Shrimati Sharma
| father              = Shri Shivmurti Sharma
| spouse              = Kiran Sharma
| children            = Chitra Sharma, Abhinav Sharma
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| otherparty          =  
| otherparty          =  
| residence          = Village-Kajha Khurd, District-[[Mau, Uttar Pradesh]]
| residence          = [[Lucknow]]
| alma_mater          =  
| alma_mater          =  
| profession          = [[Indian Administrative Service]] [[Politician]]  
| profession          = [[IAS officer]], [[Politician]]  
| education          =  
| education          =  
| website            = {{url|aksharmabharat.in|Official website}} <br> {{url|tej.net.in|TEJ Grievance Portal by A K Sharma}}
| website            = {{URL|aksharmabharat.in|Official website}}  
| footnotes          =  
| footnotes          =  
| Parent(s)          =  
| Parent(s)          =  
}}
}}
'''Arvind Kumar Sharma''' or '''A K Sharma''' (born 11 July 1962) is an Indian politician from [[Uttar Pradesh]], Former IAS officer and Bureaucrat. He is currently the State Vice President of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hindustan|first=Times|title=BJP appoints former IAS officer AK Sharma as vice president of Uttar Pradesh unit|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/bjp-appoints-former-ias-officer-ak-sharma-as-vice-president-of-uttar-pradesh-unit-101624101917359.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 June 2021|website=HindustanTimes.com}}</ref> Before joining politics, Sharma was an [[Indian Administrative Service]] officer from [[Gujarat]] Cadre of the 1988 batch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why A K Sharma is not just another Gujarat bureaucrat in the PM’s circle or just another vice-president in Uttar Pradesh BJP|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-k-sharma-gujarat-bureaucrat-pms-circle-uttar-pradesh-bjp-7377472/|access-date=2021-06-29|website= Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Not end of road for Modi’s trusted IAS officer who took VRS, he could play bigger role in govt|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/not-end-of-road-for-modis-trusted-ias-officer-who-took-vrs-he-could-play-bigger-role-in-govt/584314/|access-date=2021-06-29|website= The Wire}}</ref>
'''Arvind Kumar Sharma''' (born 11 July 1962) is an Indian politician from [[Uttar Pradesh]], former [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) officer and bureaucrat of 1988 batch. He is currently a Cabinet Minister in [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref name="zeenews india">{{Cite web|author=Zee Media Bureau|title=PM मोदी के करीबी IAS एके शर्मा को मिली बड़ी जिम्मेदारी, बनाए गए नगर विकास और ऊर्जा मंत्री
Sharma is considered a close aide of Hon’ble [[Prime Minister of India]] Shri [[Narendra Modi]] with whom he had worked for 20 years.  He was also CEO, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and has also managed multiple [[Vibrant Gujarat]] summits. He joined the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]] as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New BJP member Arvind Sharma is part of Modi’s Mission 2022 in UP|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/new-bjp-member-arvind-sharma-is-part-of-modi-s-mission-2022-in-up-1759993-2021-01-17|access-date=2021-06-29|website= India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PM Modi's Trusted Officer Of 20 Years Joins BJP, May Get Big UP Role|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kumar-sharma-pm-modis-trusted-officer-of-20-years-joins-bjp-may-get-big-up-role-2352377|access-date=2021-06-29|website= NDTV}}</ref>
|url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/up-uttarakhand/uttar-pradesh/up-ministers-portfolio-2022-mau-mla-ak-sharma-urban-development-and-energy-minister-spup/1137106|access-date= 2022-03-28|website= zeenews.india.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hindustan|first=Times|title=BJP appoints former IAS officer AK Sharma as vice president of Uttar Pradesh unit|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/bjp-appoints-former-ias-officer-ak-sharma-as-vice-president-of-uttar-pradesh-unit-101624101917359.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 June 2021|website=HindustanTimes.com|date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619113214/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/bjp-appoints-former-ias-officer-ak-sharma-as-vice-president-of-uttar-pradesh-unit-101624101917359.html |archive-date=2021-06-19 }}</ref> Before joining politics, Sharma was an IAS officer from [[Gujarat]] Cadre of the 1988 batch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why A K Sharma is not just another Gujarat bureaucrat in the PM's circle or just another vice-president in Uttar Pradesh BJP|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-k-sharma-gujarat-bureaucrat-pms-circle-uttar-pradesh-bjp-7377472/|access-date=2021-06-29|website= Indian Express|date=27 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Not end of road for Modi's trusted IAS officer who took VRS, he could play bigger role in govt|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/not-end-of-road-for-modis-trusted-ias-officer-who-took-vrs-he-could-play-bigger-role-in-govt/584314/|access-date=2021-06-29|website= The Wire|date=13 January 2021 }}</ref>
Sharma was an aide of [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Narendra Modi]], with whom he had worked for 20 years.  He was also CEO, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and has also managed multiple [[Vibrant Gujarat]] summits. He joined the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]] as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New BJP member Arvind Sharma is part of Modi's Mission 2022 in UP|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/new-bjp-member-arvind-sharma-is-part-of-modi-s-mission-2022-in-up-1759993-2021-01-17|access-date=2021-06-29|website= India Today|date=17 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PM Modi's Trusted Officer Of 20 Years Joins BJP, May Get Big UP Role|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kumar-sharma-pm-modis-trusted-officer-of-20-years-joins-bjp-may-get-big-up-role-2352377|access-date=2021-06-29|website= NDTV}}</ref>
In 2019, he moved out of the PMO to become a secretary in the [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]] but took voluntary retirement in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gujarat cadre IAS officer Arvind Kumar Sharma may be made minister in Yogi govt
In 2019, he moved out of the PMO to become a secretary in the [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]] but took voluntary retirement in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gujarat cadre IAS officer Arvind Kumar Sharma may be made minister in Yogi govt
|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/gujarat-cadre-ias-officer-arvind-kumar-sharma-may-be-made-minister-in-yogi-govt-101610695502344.html|access-date=2021-06-29|website= Hundustan Times}}</ref>
|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/gujarat-cadre-ias-officer-arvind-kumar-sharma-may-be-made-minister-in-yogi-govt-101610695502344.html|access-date=2021-06-29|website= Hundustan Times|date=15 January 2021 }}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
AK Sharma was born in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district in 1962 to Shri Shivmurti Sharma and Shrimati Sharma. He completed schooling from his home district before graduating from [[University of Allahabad|Allahabad University]]. He pursued a master's degree in political science before joining the civil services.<ref name="MoneyControl">{{Cite web|author=GULAM JEELANI|title=Who is AK Sharma, ex- bureaucrat who retired to join BJP in Uttar Pradesh
Arvind Kumar Sharma was born in Uttar Pradesh’s [[Mau district]] to Shri Shivmurti Sharma and Shrimati Sharma. He completed schooling from his home district before graduating from [[University of Allahabad|Allahabad University]]. He pursued a master's degree in political science before joining the civil services.<ref name="MoneyControl">{{Cite web|author=GULAM JEELANI|title=Who is AK Sharma, ex- bureaucrat who retired to join BJP in Uttar Pradesh
|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/politics/who-is-ak-sharma-ex-bureaucrat-who-retired-to-join-bjp-in-uttar-pradesh-6350581.html|access-date=2021-01-15|website= Money Control}}</ref>
|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/politics/who-is-ak-sharma-ex-bureaucrat-who-retired-to-join-bjp-in-uttar-pradesh-6350581.html|access-date=2021-01-15|website= Money Control}}</ref>
<ref name="navbharattimes">{{Cite web|author=Shashi Mishra|title=Gujarat Cadre IAS Arvind Kumar Sharma Know all about him
<ref name="navbharattimes">{{Cite web|author=Shashi Mishra|title=Gujarat Cadre IAS Arvind Kumar Sharma Know all about him
Line 46: Line 48:
== Work in Gujarat ==
== Work in Gujarat ==
In 1988, Sharma became a civil servant and started his career as an IAS officer with the [[Gujarat]] cadre. His first posting was as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). In 1995, he took charge as the District Magistrate of Mehsana.<ref name="NEWS18">{{Cite web|author=NEWS18.COM|title=From Gujarat CMO to PMO: How IAS Officer AK Sharma Became 'Modi's Man'
In 1988, Sharma became a civil servant and started his career as an IAS officer with the [[Gujarat]] cadre. His first posting was as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). In 1995, he took charge as the District Magistrate of Mehsana.<ref name="NEWS18">{{Cite web|author=NEWS18.COM|title=From Gujarat CMO to PMO: How IAS Officer AK Sharma Became 'Modi's Man'
|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/from-gujarat-cmo-to-pmo-how-ias-officer-ak-sharma-became-modis-man-3867512.html|access-date= 2021-06-19|website= News 18}}</ref> After Narendra Modi came to power in Gujarat in 2001, Sharma joined the Chief Minister’s Office as a Secretary and remained there till 2014 before shifting to the Centre.<ref name="FreepressJournal">{{Cite web|author=FreepressJournal |title=Who is AK Sharma? All you need to know about
|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/from-gujarat-cmo-to-pmo-how-ias-officer-ak-sharma-became-modis-man-3867512.html|access-date= 2021-06-19|website= News 18|date=19 June 2021
|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/who-is-ak-sharma-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-newly-appointed-vice-president-of-up-bjp|access-date= 2021-06-19|website= FreepressJournal}}</ref> Sharma worked in the [[Government of Gujarat]] for a long duration in various positions including District Development Officer in Vadodara, Managing Director of Industrial Extension Bureau, and the CEO of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB).<ref name="theprint">{{Cite web|author=theprint.com|title=Modi’s key man in Gujarat
}}</ref> After Narendra Modi came to power in Gujarat in 2001, Sharma joined the Chief Minister’s Office as a Secretary and remained there till 2014 before shifting to the Centre.<ref name="FreepressJournal">{{Cite web|author=FreepressJournal |title=Who is AK Sharma? All you need to know about
|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/not-end-of-road-for-modis-trusted-ias-officer-who-took-vrs-he-could-play-bigger-role-in-govt/584314/|access-date= 2021-01-13|website= theprint}}</ref> His contribution in setting up the Gujarat section of the dedicated freight corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor as well as Dholera special investment region was noted by the media and the government alike.<ref name="Times of india">{{Cite web|author=Rajiv Shah|title=Demand for scarce Narmada waters for Dholera special investm A K Sharma|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/demand-for-scarce-narmada-waters-for-dholera-special-investment-region/articleshow/17879105.cms|access-date= 2013-01-04|website= Times of India}}</ref> Known for being a low-profile officer and a doer, Sharma is said to have coordinated the ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ Summit, a biennial investor summit that played a significant role in bringing in foreign investment to Gujarat. He is also said to have played a key role in getting the Tata Nano plant moved from Singur in West Bengal to Sanand in Gujarat in 2008. His work made him one of the closest aides of Modi.<ref name="Business Standard">{{Cite web|author=Nivedita Mookerji & Premal Balan |title=Vibrant Gujarat man is India Inc's PMO pointsman
|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/who-is-ak-sharma-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-newly-appointed-vice-president-of-up-bjp|access-date= 2021-06-19|website= FreepressJournal}}</ref> Sharma worked in the [[Government of Gujarat]] as District Development Officer in Vadodara, Managing Director of Industrial Extension Bureau, and the CEO of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB).<ref name="theprint">{{Cite web|author=theprint.com|title=Modi's key man in Gujarat
|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/not-end-of-road-for-modis-trusted-ias-officer-who-took-vrs-he-could-play-bigger-role-in-govt/584314/|access-date= 2021-01-13|website= theprint|date=13 January 2021
}}</ref> He set up the Gujarat section of the dedicated freight corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor as well as [[Dholera Special Investment Region]].<ref name="Times of india">{{Cite news|author=Rajiv Shah|title=Demand for scarce Narmada waters for Dholera special investm A K Sharma|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/demand-for-scarce-narmada-waters-for-dholera-special-investment-region/articleshow/17879105.cms|access-date= 2013-01-04|website= Times of India|date=4 January 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Business Standard">{{Cite web|author=Nivedita Mookerji & Premal Balan |title=Vibrant Gujarat man is India Inc's PMO pointsman
|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/vibrant-gujarat-man-is-india-inc-s-pmo-pointsman-114071700132_1.html|access-date= 2014-07-17|website= Business Standard}}</ref>
|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/vibrant-gujarat-man-is-india-inc-s-pmo-pointsman-114071700132_1.html|access-date= 2014-07-17|website= Business Standard}}</ref>


== Work in PMO ==
== Work in PMO ==
A K Sharma remained as Secretary in Chief Minister’s Office till 2014 when Shri [[Narendra Modi]] ji became the Prime Minister. He then joined the PMO as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.<ref name="The Hindu">{{Cite web|author=Rahi Gaikwad |title=2 bureaucrats from Gujarat move to PMO
Arvind Kumar Sharma remained as Secretary in Chief Minister’s Office till 2014 when [[Narendra Modi]] became the Prime Minister. He then joined the PMO as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.<ref name="The Hindu">{{Cite news|author=Rahi Gaikwad |title=2 bureaucrats from Gujarat move to PMO
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/2-bureaucrats-from-gujarat-move-to-pmo/article6070498.ece|access-date= 2014-05-31|website= The Hindu}}</ref> After his long stint in the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|PMO]], Sharma was entrusted with the charge of [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises|micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME)]] ministry.<ref name="business standard">{{Cite web|author=business standard |title=A K Sharma takes charge as MSME Secretary
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/2-bureaucrats-from-gujarat-move-to-pmo/article6070498.ece|access-date= 2014-05-31|website= The Hindu|date=31 May 2014
|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/a-k-sharma-takes-charge-as-msme-secretary-120050101247_1.html|access-date= 2014-05-01|website= business standard}}</ref>
}}</ref> After his long stint in the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|PMO]], Sharma was entrusted with the charge of [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises|micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME)]] ministry.<ref name="business standard">{{Cite web|title=A K Sharma takes charge as MSME Secretary
[[File:A-K-sharma-with-Saudi-prince.jpg|thumb|A K Sharma ji with Narendra Modi Ji and Saudi Prince]]
|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/a-k-sharma-takes-charge-as-msme-secretary-120050101247_1.html|access-date= 2014-05-01|website= business standard |last1=India |first1=Press Trust of }}</ref>
[[File:A-K-sharma-with-pm.jpg|thumb|A K Sharma ji with PM Narendra Modi Ji]]
[[File:A-K-sharma-with-pm.jpg|thumb|A K Sharma with PM Narendra Modi]]


== Voluntary Retirement and entry into politics ==
== Voluntary retirement and entry into politics ==
Arvind Kumar Sharma sought retirement in January 2021 from civil services, 18 months before his due retirement. A few days after his voluntary retirement, Sharma joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="Outlook India">{{Cite web|author=Outlook India|title=Gujarat cadre IAS officer joins BJP after taking VRS
|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/up-gujarat-cadre-ias-officer-joins-bjp-after-taking-vrs/2010354|access-date= 2021-01-14|website= Outlook India}}</ref>


A. K. Sharma sought retirement in January 2021 from civil services, 18 months before his due retirement. A few days after his voluntary retirement, Sharma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="Outlook India">{{Cite web|author=Outlook India|title=Gujarat cadre IAS officer joins BJP after taking VRS
In 2021 he worked on the [[COVID-19 epidemic]] in [[Varanasi]],<ref name="Economic Times">{{Cite news|author=Kumar Anshuman|title=Ex IAS officer and BJP MLC AK Sharma steps in to control worsening Varanasi pandemic
|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/up-gujarat-cadre-ias-officer-joins-bjp-after-taking-vrs/2010354|access-date= 2021-01-14|website= Outlook India}}</ref>
|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ak-sharma-steps-in-to-control-worsening-varanasi-pandemic/articleshow/82072350.cms|access-date= 2021-04-15|website= Economic Times|date=15 April 2021
He gained media attention for his Covid-19 relief work in the state at a time when the daily numbers of cases and deaths were increasing rapidly.
}}</ref> during which COVID cases in the city were reduced from over 1,000 to under 300. Sharma offered 53,000 medical kits and other aid to manage CSR funds. He also supported other functionaries{{who|date=May 2024}} of BJP to in COVID mitigation work, and helped authorities to disseminate alternative medicine in the most affected areas.<ref name="Times of India">{{Cite news|author=Pankaj Shah |title=PM Narendra Modi's aide at helm of relief operations in East
Uttar Pradesh was severely affected in the second wave of Corona. New cases are still coming, but their numbers are decreasing. The noise of the outcry due to the virus has reduced slightly, but the situation is still to be improved upon. Amid this noise, a name is sometimes heard lightly and sometimes clearly, and the name is of Arvind Kumar Sharma, who has been working to elevate Varanasi in this challenging time.<ref name="Economic Times">{{Cite web|author=Kumar Anshuman|title=Ex IAS officer and BJP MLC AK Sharma steps in to control worsening Varanasi pandemic
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/pms-aide-at-helm-of-relief-ops-in-east-up/articleshow/82814202.cms|access-date= 2021-05-21|website= Times of India|date=21 May 2021
|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ak-sharma-steps-in-to-control-worsening-varanasi-pandemic/articleshow/82072350.cms|access-date= 2021-04-15|website= Economic Times}}</ref>
}}</ref> He also led the establishment of the Kashi COVID response center.<ref name="PIB">{{Cite web|author=Pib |title=PM Narendra Modi Kashi COVID response center
He is the person who helped Varanasi cut Covid cases from 1,000+ to under 300. He was also praised and rewarded by Hon’ble PM Modi for his commendable work in the district. At the same time, Sharma offered 53,000 medical kits and other aid to manage CSR funds. He also supported other functionaries of BJP to help the state fight COVID battle. In the time of oxygen crisis in the country, he helped authorities to disseminate alternative medicine in the most affected areas.<ref name="Times of India">{{Cite web|author=Pankaj Shah |title=PM Narendra Modi’s aide at helm of relief operations in East
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/pms-aide-at-helm-of-relief-ops-in-east-up/articleshow/82814202.cms|access-date= 2021-05-21|website= Times of India}}</ref>
If we see Sharma's tweets, we can understand that he was actively circulating leads, helping people arrange the required resources. Presently, along with his official role, he is working to enhance medical facilities in Varanasi and Mau. He is seen to be the brainchild behind the famous ''''Kashi COVID response center''''.<ref name="PIB">{{Cite web|author=Pib |title=PM Narendra Modi Kashi COVID response center
|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1712536|access-date= 2021-04-18|website= pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="Live mint">{{Cite web|author=Neetu Chandra Sharma |title=PM takes stock of Varanasi infections as caseload continues to climb
|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1712536|access-date= 2021-04-18|website= pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="Live mint">{{Cite web|author=Neetu Chandra Sharma |title=PM takes stock of Varanasi infections as caseload continues to climb
|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-takes-stock-of-varanasi-infections-as-caseload-continues-to-climb-11618743810126.html|access-date= 2021-04-18|website= Live mint}}</ref>
|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-takes-stock-of-varanasi-infections-as-caseload-continues-to-climb-11618743810126.html|access-date= 2021-04-18|website= Live mint|date=18 April 2021
}}</ref><ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite news|author=timesofindia |title=Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Kashi model to curb Covid
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/prime-minister-narendra-modi-praises-kashi-model-to-curb-covid/articleshow/82787526.cms|access-date= 2021-05-20|newspaper= The Times of India|date=20 May 2021
}}</ref>


He also worked with party functionaries with providing the major inputs on mobilizing oxygen as well as medicines in worst-hit areas.
He is currently a cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="navbharattimes.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web|author=Zee Media Bureau|title=UP Cabinet Minister Profile: योगी सरकार में कद्दावर मंत्री बनकर उभरे AK Sharma बनाए गए नगर विकास और ऊर्जा मंत्री
After 20-years of active politics, Sharma has received praise from PM Modi and a more significant responsibility.<ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite web|author=timesofindia |title=Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Kashi model to curb Covid
|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttar-pradesh/lucknow/ak-sharma-uttar-pradesh-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-minister-department-portfolio/articleshow/90502051.cms|access-date= 2022-03-28|website= navbharattimes.indiatimes.com}}</ref>
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/prime-minister-narendra-modi-praises-kashi-model-to-curb-covid/articleshow/82787526.cms|access-date= 2021-05-20|website= timesofindia}}</ref> The largest state, Uttar Pradesh, is expecting an assembly election next year. With this, appointing Sharma as Vice-President of the State unit is not less than a question of life and death.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 86: Line 91:
[[Category:Members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council]]
[[Category:Members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Indian Administrative Service officers]]
[[Category:1962 births]]
[[Category:1962 births]]

Latest revision as of 01:24, 22 September 2025


Arvind Kumar Sharma
Minister of Urban Development
Government of Uttar Pradesh
Assumed office
25 March 2022
Chief MinisterYogi Adityanath
Preceded byAshutosh Tandon
Minister of Energy
Government of Uttar Pradesh
Assumed office
25 March 2022
Chief MinisterYogi Adityanath
Preceded byShrikant Sharma
Member of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council
Assumed office
31 January 2021
Constituencyelected by Legislative Assembly members
Personal details
Born
Arvind Kumar Sharma

(1962-07-11) 11 July 1962 (age 64)[1]
Mau, Uttar Pradesh, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
ResidenceLucknow
ProfessionIAS officer, Politician
WebsiteOfficial website

Arvind Kumar Sharma (born 11 July 1962) is an Indian politician from Uttar Pradesh, former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and bureaucrat of 1988 batch. He is currently a Cabinet Minister in Uttar Pradesh.[2][3] Before joining politics, Sharma was an IAS officer from Gujarat Cadre of the 1988 batch.[4][5] Sharma was an aide of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, with whom he had worked for 20 years. He was also CEO, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and has also managed multiple Vibrant Gujarat summits. He joined the Prime Minister's Office as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.[6][7] In 2019, he moved out of the PMO to become a secretary in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises but took voluntary retirement in January 2021.[8]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Arvind Kumar Sharma was born in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district to Shri Shivmurti Sharma and Shrimati Sharma. He completed schooling from his home district before graduating from Allahabad University. He pursued a master's degree in political science before joining the civil services.[9] [10]

Work in Gujarat[edit | edit source]

In 1988, Sharma became a civil servant and started his career as an IAS officer with the Gujarat cadre. His first posting was as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). In 1995, he took charge as the District Magistrate of Mehsana.[11] After Narendra Modi came to power in Gujarat in 2001, Sharma joined the Chief Minister’s Office as a Secretary and remained there till 2014 before shifting to the Centre.[12] Sharma worked in the Government of Gujarat as District Development Officer in Vadodara, Managing Director of Industrial Extension Bureau, and the CEO of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB).[13] He set up the Gujarat section of the dedicated freight corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor as well as Dholera Special Investment Region.[14][15]

Work in PMO[edit | edit source]

Arvind Kumar Sharma remained as Secretary in Chief Minister’s Office till 2014 when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. He then joined the PMO as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.[16] After his long stint in the PMO, Sharma was entrusted with the charge of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) ministry.[17]

A K Sharma with PM Narendra Modi

Voluntary retirement and entry into politics[edit | edit source]

Arvind Kumar Sharma sought retirement in January 2021 from civil services, 18 months before his due retirement. A few days after his voluntary retirement, Sharma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh.[18]

In 2021 he worked on the COVID-19 epidemic in Varanasi,[19] during which COVID cases in the city were reduced from over 1,000 to under 300. Sharma offered 53,000 medical kits and other aid to manage CSR funds. He also supported other functionaries[who?] of BJP to in COVID mitigation work, and helped authorities to disseminate alternative medicine in the most affected areas.[20] He also led the establishment of the Kashi COVID response center.[21][22][23]

He is currently a cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh.[24]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Civil List of IAS Officers". dtf.in. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  2. ↑ Zee Media Bureau. "PM मोदी के करीबी IAS एके शर्मा को मिली बड़ी जिम्मेदारी, बनाए गए नगर विकास और ऊर्जा मंत्री". zeenews.india.com. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
  3. ↑ Hindustan, Times (19 June 2021). "BJP appoints former IAS officer AK Sharma as vice president of Uttar Pradesh unit". HindustanTimes.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  4. ↑ "Why A K Sharma is not just another Gujarat bureaucrat in the PM's circle or just another vice-president in Uttar Pradesh BJP". Indian Express. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  5. ↑ "Not end of road for Modi's trusted IAS officer who took VRS, he could play bigger role in govt". The Wire. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  6. ↑ "New BJP member Arvind Sharma is part of Modi's Mission 2022 in UP". India Today. 17 January 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  7. ↑ "PM Modi's Trusted Officer Of 20 Years Joins BJP, May Get Big UP Role". NDTV. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  8. ↑ "Gujarat cadre IAS officer Arvind Kumar Sharma may be made minister in Yogi govt". Hundustan Times. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  9. ↑ GULAM JEELANI. "Who is AK Sharma, ex- bureaucrat who retired to join BJP in Uttar Pradesh". Money Control. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  10. ↑ Shashi Mishra. "Gujarat Cadre IAS Arvind Kumar Sharma Know all about him". Navbharat Times. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  11. ↑ NEWS18.COM (19 June 2021). "From Gujarat CMO to PMO: How IAS Officer AK Sharma Became 'Modi's Man'". News 18. Retrieved 19 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ↑ FreepressJournal. "Who is AK Sharma? All you need to know about". FreepressJournal. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  13. ↑ theprint.com (13 January 2021). "Modi's key man in Gujarat". theprint. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  14. ↑ Rajiv Shah (4 January 2013). "Demand for scarce Narmada waters for Dholera special investm A K Sharma". Times of India. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  15. ↑ Nivedita Mookerji & Premal Balan. "Vibrant Gujarat man is India Inc's PMO pointsman". Business Standard. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
  16. ↑ Rahi Gaikwad (31 May 2014). "2 bureaucrats from Gujarat move to PMO". The Hindu. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  17. ↑ India, Press Trust of. "A K Sharma takes charge as MSME Secretary". business standard. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  18. ↑ Outlook India. "Gujarat cadre IAS officer joins BJP after taking VRS". Outlook India. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  19. ↑ Kumar Anshuman (15 April 2021). "Ex IAS officer and BJP MLC AK Sharma steps in to control worsening Varanasi pandemic". Economic Times. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  20. ↑ Pankaj Shah (21 May 2021). "PM Narendra Modi's aide at helm of relief operations in East". Times of India. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  21. ↑ Pib. "PM Narendra Modi Kashi COVID response center". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  22. ↑ Neetu Chandra Sharma (18 April 2021). "PM takes stock of Varanasi infections as caseload continues to climb". Live mint. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  23. ↑ timesofindia (20 May 2021). "Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Kashi model to curb Covid". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  24. ↑ Zee Media Bureau. "UP Cabinet Minister Profile: योगी सरकार में कद्दावर मंत्री बनकर उभरे AK Sharma बनाए गए नगर विकास और ऊर्जा मंत्री". navbharattimes.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=A._K._Sharma&oldid=464826"
Discover more