Lucknow: Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, has scripted a remarkable success story in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 rankings, climbing from the 41st position to 3rd place among India’s cleanest cities. At the heart of this transformation is IAS Indrajit Singh, a 2016-batch officer whose leadership and grounded approach have earned both institutional success and public admiration.
Lucknow’s Cleanliness Leap: A Historic Feat
In a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh, President Droupadi Murmu felicitated the Lucknow Municipal Corporation at a national ceremony in New Delhi. The award was received by Urban Development and Energy Minister AK Sharma, Mayor Sushma Khadakwal, and the then Municipal Commissioner Indrajit Singh.
From being ranked 41st in 2023, Lucknow now shares the national spotlight with Indore (1st) and Ahmedabad (2nd), marking the best-ever ranking for the city in cleanliness history.
The Man Behind the Mission: Who is IAS Indrajeet Singh?
Known for his simplicity and efficiency, Mr Singh is a 2016 batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, originally from Vishalpur district of Punjab. With an academic background in Applied Physics and a previous stint as a bank PO and Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, Mr Singh’s journey to the IAS was both long and determined—he cleared the UPSC in his fifth attempt, switching from Physics to Sociology after three failed tries.
A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
Mr Singh’s father served in the Indian Air Force, and he grew up studying in different cities across India including Tezpur, Pune, and Pathankot, attending Kendriya Vidyalayas throughout.
- Academic Background
- BSc from Punjab University, Chandigarh
- MSc in Applied Physics from Guru Nanak Dev University — where he topped his class
- Initially worked as a bank probationary officer
- Later joined EPFO as Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, serving 5 years in Mysore
Path to IAS: A Story of Perseverance
Indrajit cleared the UPSC exam in his fifth attempt:
- First 3 attempts with Physics as an optional — narrowly missed qualifying
- Switched to Sociology in 4th attempt — cleared Mains but didn’t get IAS
- In his 5th attempt, he cracked the IAS with a good rank, securing UP cadre
Career Milestones
- District Training: Bijnor, UP
- Joint Magistrate: Etawah (22 months)
- Chief Development Officer: Gorakhpur (2020–22) — where he implemented a unique program during the pandemic to provide 100-day employment to the 15 poorest families in each village
- Municipal Commissioner: Lucknow (2022–2024) — the most impactful posting of his career so far
- Current Posting: Special Secretary, Energy Department and Managing Director of UP NEDA and Uttar Pradesh Renewable and EV Infrastructure Ltd
Now Steering Green Energy Vision
Currently, Mr Singh is shaping Uttar Pradesh’s renewable energy and EV infrastructure roadmap, applying the same precision and reform-minded approach he used in civic administration. His expertise is now helping guide policy on sustainable power, making him a versatile administrator beyond the urban development space.
Public Admiration and Media Spotlight
Mr Singh’s down-to-earth behavior and visible impact have made him widely respected both within the bureaucracy and among citizens. His story is also seen as an inspiration for UPSC aspirants — showing that persistence, humility, and public service mindset are still the hallmarks of a great officer.
Key Initiatives That Changed Lucknow
During his tenure as Municipal Commissioner of Lucknow (2022–2024), Singh initiated several reforms:
- Eliminated major garbage mountains by operationalizing a garbage processing unit in Shivri, a move that radically improved waste management in the city.
- Streamlined staff payments, ensuring municipal employees received their salaries between the 1st and 5th of each month, instead of post-20th delays.
- Improved tax collection mechanisms, enhancing the corporation’s financial strength.
- His initiatives not only uplifted municipal infrastructure but also restored public trust in city governance.
Praised by Successor and Citizens Alike
Present Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar credited Indrajit Singh for laying the foundation of Lucknow’s turnaround, calling him the “real claimant” to the national recognition.
On social media, Singh’s humility at the award ceremony also drew admiration, with users praising his down-to-earth demeanor and impactful leadership.
Now Steering Renewable Energy
Currently, Indrajit Singh serves as Special Secretary, Energy Department, and is also Managing Director of UP NEDA and Uttar Pradesh Renewable and EV Infrastructure Limited. His role now focuses on promoting green energy and sustainable infrastructure, aligning with India’s broader goals for environmental leadership.
Not Just an Officer, A Reformer
IAS Singh’s impact isn’t limited to Lucknow. In his earlier postings:
- As Chief Development Officer of Gorakhpur, he launched a 100-day employment program for the 15 poorest families in every village during the COVID-19 crisis.
- In Etawah and Bijnor, his field training and developmental initiatives reflected his grassroots-focused administration.
