2003 IAS Batch Ritu Maheshwari will be replaced as CEO of the Greater Noida Authority by Ravi Kumar N G.
Ritu Maheshwari will be replaced as CEO of the Greater Noida Authority by Ravi Kumar N G.
The Uttar Pradesh government made a significant decision late on Saturday night, appointing Ravi Kumar N. G. as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). Ravi Kumar, who currently serves as the Divisional Commissioner of Gorakhpur, will take over from Ritu Maheshwari, the former CEO of GNIDA who also held the position of CEO of the Noida Authority. Ritu Maheshwari, a 2003-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, will continue in her role as the Chief Executive of the Noida Authority.
This appointment comes after the previous CEO of Greater Noida and current Meerut commissioner, Surender Singh, was transferred to the position of secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on September 28, 2022. As a result, Ritu Maheshwari was given additional responsibility as the CEO of GNIDA. However, due to her dual role, she was only able to attend the GNIDA office two days a week.
The decision to appoint Ravi Kumar N. G. as the new CEO of GNIDA is seen as a response to the demands of farmers who had been staging sit-in demonstrations at the Authority. One of their primary demands was the appointment of a permanent CEO who would be attentive to their problems and address their concerns.
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority plays a crucial role in the development of Greater Noida, a rapidly growing city located near the national capital, Delhi. It is responsible for planning and implementing various developmental projects, including infrastructure development, land acquisition, and the overall management of industrial and residential sectors in the area.
Ravi Kumar N. G., an experienced civil servant, brings his expertise and administrative skills to the position of CEO of GNIDA. As the Divisional Commissioner of Gorakhpur, he has demonstrated his ability to handle complex issues and work towards the welfare of the region. His appointment is expected to provide stability and direction to the Authority, ensuring the smooth execution of projects and addressing the concerns of the local community.
Ritu Maheshwari, who held the position of CEO of GNIDA alongside her role as CEO of the Noida Authority, has made significant contributions to the development of the region during her tenure. However, due to her additional responsibilities, her availability at the GNIDA office was limited, which raised concerns among the farmers and other stakeholders. With her continuing role as the Chief Executive of the Noida Authority, she will be able to focus on the specific needs of that area while Ravi Kumar N. G. takes over the responsibilities of GNIDA CEO.
The decision to appoint a dedicated CEO for GNIDA reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of farmers and other stakeholders in the region. It acknowledges the need for a focused approach to ensure effective governance and timely resolution of issues related to land acquisition, compensation, and development plans. With a permanent CEO in place, the Authority can establish better communication channels with the local community, promoting transparency and building trust.
The Greater Noida region has witnessed significant growth and development in recent years. It has become a hub for industries, educational institutions, and residential complexes. However, this rapid development has also posed challenges, particularly in terms of ensuring sustainable infrastructure, addressing environmental concerns, and meeting the aspirations of the local population. Maheshwari, the new CEO, formerly held the position of Ghaziabad district magistrate before taking the helm as CEO of Noida in July 2019. She also serves as the corporation’s managing director.
Ravi Kumar N. G., an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2004 batch, has been appointed as the secretary of tourism, culture, and religious affairs for the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Hailing from Karnataka, Ravi Kumar has had a diverse and distinguished career in public service.
Prior to his current appointment, Ravi Kumar held the position of Gorakhpur Division Commissioner in 2021, where he showcased his administrative skills and leadership abilities. With his transfer, he now takes on the crucial responsibility of overseeing tourism, culture, and religious affairs in Uttar Pradesh.
Ravi Kumar’s involvement in the tourism sector is not new. He has previously served as the director general of UP Tourism, contributing significantly to the promotion and development of the state’s tourism industry. His experiences and expertise in this field make him well-equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities in his new role.
Throughout his career, Ravi Kumar has held several key positions in Uttar Pradesh. He served as the district magistrate of prominent districts like Mathura and Agra, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring efficient governance and addressing local issues. In 2012, he was appointed district magistrate of Gorakhpur, further demonstrating his commitment to public service.
In addition to his district-level roles, Ravi Kumar had the privilege of working as the private secretary to former water minister Uma Bharti during her tenure at the Centre. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the intricacies of policy-making and governance at the national level.
Ravi Kumar N. G.’s appointment as the secretary of tourism, culture, and religious affairs for the Government of Uttar Pradesh is a testament to his capabilities and dedication to public service. His extensive experience in various administrative roles, combined with his passion for promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage, makes him a valuable asset to the state government. As he takes on this new responsibility, Ravi Kumar is poised to contribute significantly to the development and growth of Uttar Pradesh’s tourism, culture, and religious sectors.
