Key Points
- Sharad Srivastava joins UP State Transformation Commission as CISO
- Appointment announced via LinkedIn without official state government confirmation
- Role involves securing digital infrastructure for state transformation initiatives
Sharad Srivastava has been appointed chief information security officer (CISO) at the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission, the state body responsible for overseeing development and administrative reform initiatives across India’s most populous state.
Srivastava announced the appointment through LinkedIn, stating he had begun a new role at the Commission. The post did not specify an effective date or provide details of his prior work history. The UP State Transformation Commission has not issued a separate statement confirming the appointment.
In his role as CISO, Srivastava will be responsible for the Commission’s information security framework, including the protection of digital infrastructure, internal systems and data assets. The position places cybersecurity governance alongside the Commission’s broader technology and administrative reform mandate.
State cybersecurity
The appointment comes as state governments across India expand their reliance on digital platforms for service delivery, data management and internal administration. Uttar Pradesh, with a population exceeding 23 crore, operates multiple citizen-facing digital services and maintains large volumes of administrative and personal data.
A CISO at a state transformation body typically oversees security governance, cyber risk management, incident preparedness and compliance with national data protection requirements. The role often involves coordinating with multiple state departments and ensuring that digital initiatives meet baseline security standards.
State-level cybersecurity has received increased attention following the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which imposes obligations on government bodies handling citizen data. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has also issued guidelines encouraging states to appoint dedicated security officers for critical digital infrastructure.
The UP State Transformation Commission was established to support the state government’s administrative reform and development priorities. The body works across departments to implement technology-enabled governance and process improvements.
Srivastava’s appointment adds a dedicated cybersecurity leadership function to the Commission’s structure. Information security has become integral to technology-led government initiatives, with state bodies required to demonstrate compliance with national security frameworks and data protection norms.
The Commission has not disclosed specific initiatives Srivastava will oversee or provided details of the cybersecurity challenges the appointment is intended to address.
Your Questions, Answered
Who is the new CISO of UP State Transformation Commission?
Sharad Srivastava has been appointed chief information security officer at the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission. He announced the appointment through LinkedIn.
What does the UP State Transformation Commission do?
The UP State Transformation Commission supports administrative reform and development initiatives across Uttar Pradesh. It works with state departments to implement technology-enabled governance and process improvements.
What are the responsibilities of a state government CISO?
A CISO at a state body typically oversees security governance, cyber risk management, incident preparedness and compliance with data protection requirements. The role involves protecting digital infrastructure and coordinating security across departments.
Why is cybersecurity important for state governments?
State governments handle large volumes of citizen data and operate critical digital services. Cybersecurity leadership ensures compliance with national data protection laws and protects systems from cyber threats.
