New Delhi/Noida: Lokesh M., a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and CEO & MD of the Noida Authority, has issued a show-cause notice to officials after his photographs were used without permission in the Noida Metro Rail Corporation’s (NMRC) official 2026 calendar.
2026 calendar of the NMRC has drawn attention within bureaucratic and government circles, as it was found to feature solo photographs of two of its top officials, each coinciding with the months of their respective birthdays.
NMRC is a joint venture of the Union Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government, functioning under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Managing Director’s Photos Featured in April
The calendar carries two photographs of NMRC Managing Director Lokesh M for the month of April. Lokesh, a 2005-batch IAS officer, also serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Noida Authority. His birthday falls on April 3.
In one photograph, Lokesh can be seen playing the sitar, while the other shows him addressing an official event. According to sources, the sitar photograph was taken when he performed “Vande Mataram” during Noida Authority’s Independence Day celebrations.
Lokesh has been serving as NMRC Managing Director and Noida Authority CEO since July 2023. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Divisional Commissioner of Kanpur.
Executive Director’s Images Featured in July
Similarly, the month of July in the NMRC calendar features two photographs of Mahendra Prasad, NMRC Executive Director and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in Noida Authority.
A 2014-batch IAS officer, Prasad’s birthday falls on July 5. In the photographs, he is seen walking through a corridor in one image, while the other shows him addressing a formal gathering.
Show-Cause Notice Issued by NMRC MD
Responding to queries regarding the inclusion of officers’ photographs, Lokesh M stated that his images were used without his permission.
He said that upon becoming aware of the matter, he issued a show-cause notice to the officials responsible for the calendar’s design and publication. He clarified that the photograph of him playing the sitar was taken during an official function and was not intended for personal publicity.
Executive Director Defends Calendar Content
When contacted, Mahendra Prasad defended the calendar, stating that there was “nothing personal and nothing commercial” about it.
He said the calendar was prepared in government interest, adding that all individuals whose photographs appeared in it held official positions.
“It’s not as if I have printed anyone’s photo who does not hold an official post,” Prasad said.
Distribution Across Government Offices
Sources indicated that the NMRC calendar, along with annual calendars released by other government agencies and public sector bodies, was distributed across Union government offices this week.
However, the solo images of the two officers stood out, as most other government calendars typically feature infrastructure projects, organisational milestones, artworks, or group photographs from official events rather than individual portraits.
NMRC’s Role and Operations
The Noida Metro Rail Corporation was established in 2014 to plan, implement and operate metro rail projects connecting Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region.
According to a reply filed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in August 2025, NMRC operates a 29.70 km metro network, with an average daily ridership of 59,648 passengers.
