Key Points
- Alok Kumar appointed Principal Secretary IT and Electronics after predecessor removed
- Previous official transferred following cancelled ₹25,000 crore dubious investment MoU
- Nine IAS officers transferred in late-night UP Government administrative reshuffle
Alok Kumar has taken charge as Principal Secretary, Information Technology and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh, following the removal of his predecessor over a controversial investment agreement. The appointment, announced on Sunday as part of a late-night administrative reshuffle involving nine Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, comes days after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth ₹25,000 crore was cancelled over questions about the signing company’s financial standing.
The change in leadership affects Uttar Pradesh’s technology and electronics sector, which the state government has positioned as a priority area for investment, digital services and employment generation. Kumar, who continues as Principal Secretary in the Planning and Programme Implementation Department, will hold additional charge of the IT portfolio.
In a public statement after assuming office, Kumar said the sector offers immense potential and that Uttar Pradesh has some of the best policies in the country. He expressed hope of making a significant contribution to the field.
The reshuffle follows scrutiny of an MoU signed by a company identified as AI Puch, which had proposed investing ₹25,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh. The agreement had initially drawn attention as a major investment commitment.
However, concerns emerged after reports indicated the company’s net worth was below ₹50 crore, raising questions about its capacity to deliver on the proposed investment. After the matter gained traction on social media, Invest UP, the state’s investment facilitation agency, cancelled the MoU.
Anurag Yadav, who was serving as Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics at the time, was transferred and posted as Principal Secretary in the Social Welfare and Sainik Welfare Departments. IT Minister Sunil Sharma had stated that the MoU was executed at the level of Invest UP without his knowledge. Despite this, the government held Yadav accountable as the department’s Principal Secretary.
UP Government Reshuffles Nine IAS Officers
The late-night reshuffle on Sunday affected several senior bureaucrats across departments. M. Devaraj, Principal Secretary of the Appointment and Personnel Department, received additional charge as Director General of the UP Academy of Administration and Management. Devaraj had earlier been removed as Principal Secretary of the Tax Department after Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in the state declined.
Kumar, who takes over the IT portfolio, is considered close to Chief Secretary S. P. Goyal, according to administrative sources in Lucknow. His appointment is being viewed within the department as an opportunity to reinforce institutional oversight following the MoU controversy.
The state continues to position information technology and electronics as a driver of investment, innovation and job creation. With Kumar now at the helm, attention is expected to focus on strengthening policy implementation and improving due diligence processes in investment facilitation.
The IT and Electronics Department oversees digital infrastructure projects, technology investments and electronics manufacturing initiatives across Uttar Pradesh.
Your Questions, Answered
Why was Anurag Yadav removed as UP IT Principal Secretary?
Yadav was transferred after a controversial MoU signed by AI Puch, proposing ₹25,000 crore investment, was cancelled. Reports revealed the company's net worth was below ₹50 crore, raising questions about the agreement's validity.
Who is Alok Kumar and what is his new role?
Alok Kumar is an IAS officer who has been appointed Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Uttar Pradesh. He holds additional charge alongside his existing role in the Planning and Programme Implementation Department.
What was the AI Puch MoU controversy?
AI Puch signed an MoU claiming ₹25,000 crore investment in UP. After the agreement gained attention on social media, it emerged the company's net worth was under ₹50 crore. Invest UP subsequently cancelled the MoU.
How many IAS officers were transferred in the UP reshuffle?
Nine IAS officers were transferred in the late-night administrative reshuffle announced by the Uttar Pradesh Government on Sunday, including changes across IT, social welfare and administrative training departments.
