Lucknow: In a major administrative shake-up, the Uttar Pradesh government has appointed IAS Vijay Kiran Anand as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Invest UP, replacing IAS Abhishek Prakash who was removed from the post following serious allegations of corruption.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, confirming Anand’s new role at the helm of the state’s premier investment promotion agency. Alongside this, IAS Rajkumar, currently posted as Deputy Director in the Panchayati Raj Department, is reportedly awaiting further orders for a new posting.
The development comes in the backdrop of UP’s vision to transform its economy into a trillion-dollar powerhouse, with a robust push for industrial growth, private investments, and improved ease of doing business. With this vision in mind, the state is revamping leadership in its key economic arms.
IAS Abhishek Prakash, who belongs to the 2006 batch, had earlier served in several key positions including District Magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri, Bareilly, Hamirpur, Lucknow, and Aligarh. He was also Vice-Chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority. However, his career now faces turbulence.
The removal of Prakash followed the surfacing of corruption charges linked to suspicious financial transactions and recovery allegations. In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a comprehensive investigation into all his movable and immovable properties.
The Home Department has authorized Vigilance to initiate a confidential investigation, which is currently underway. As part of the process, officials will analyze the difference between his official income and actual asset acquisition over the years.
Reports suggest that during his tenure in Lakhimpur and Bareilly, Prakash allegedly acquired large tracts of agricultural land. Though earlier cleared as the purchases were made under the names of close relatives, these claims are now back under scrutiny.
Vigilance teams are now tasked with identifying any properties bought in his or his family members’ names. The teams will also evaluate spending patterns on asset maintenance, possibly indicating disproportionate wealth.
Once the confidential probe concludes, Abhishek Prakash will be called to provide explanations. If the findings confirm the allegations, Vigilance is expected to submit a detailed report to the regime, paving the way for potential legal proceedings.
This swift administrative shift underscores the Yogi government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, especially in key institutions like Invest UP, which are instrumental to attracting business and boosting investor confidence.
The appointment of Vijay Kiran Anand, known for his administrative acumen, is seen as a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the functioning of Invest UP and reinforcing the state’s economic agenda.
Meanwhile, IAS Rajkumar’s reassignment is awaited, with speculations pointing toward a key developmental role within the government.
This transition is not just about leadership change but symbolizes a broader message from the UP government—that integrity in public service remains non-negotiable.
The political and bureaucratic circles in Lucknow are closely monitoring developments, as this case may set a precedent for future accountability measures.
As the Vigilance probe deepens, the spotlight remains firmly on Abhishek Prakash, with many awaiting the outcome that could influence administrative careers across the board.
This move aligns with the ongoing efforts to bring transparency, restore trust, and drive sustainable economic reforms across the state machinery.
UP’s march towards a trillion-dollar economy hinges not just on policies but on the people driving them—and the reshuffle at Invest UP reflects a significant step in that direction.
