New Delhi: Dr N Saravana Kumar, a senior IAS officer of the Bihar cadre (2000 batch), has assumed charge as the new Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. He takes over this prestigious position following an extensive career in governance and public administration.
Prior to this appointment, Dr Kumar served as Secretary, Rural Development Department, Government of Bihar, based in Patna, where he was instrumental in driving grassroots development programs across the state.
A Diverse and Distinguished Career
An accomplished professional with an academic background in veterinary sciences, Dr. Kumar holds an M.V.Sc. in Animal Husbandry and a B.V.Sc. & A.H. in Veterinary Science, both earned with First Class distinction. Since joining the IAS, he has served in diverse administrative roles across rural and urban sectors, spanning key portfolios including agriculture, education, consumer protection, food, and animal husbandry.
In Bihar, Dr. Kumar held pivotal positions such as:
- Principal Secretary, Food & Consumer Protection Department
- Secretary, Agriculture Department
- Principal Secretary, Sugarcane (Ganna) Department
- Director, Animal Husbandry Department
At the national level, he served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Higher Education) and as Private Secretary to the Union Minister in the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
Dr. Kumar has also served as District Magistrate and Collector in several key districts of Bihar, including Purnia, Samastipur, Supaul, Sheikhpura, Jamui, and Nalanda, gaining hands-on experience in district-level governance, revenue administration, and public service delivery.
Leading DDA’s Urban Vision
As Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority, Dr. Kumar is expected to lead critical initiatives in urban planning, infrastructure development, housing, and land management in the National Capital Region. His broad-based experience across rural and urban domains positions him to guide the DDA through its next phase of planned urban growth and transformation.
Government officials and urban development experts have welcomed his appointment, citing his blend of field experience and policy acumen as key strengths for the role.
