Who Is IAS Prathamesh Kumar, the New Invest UP CEO After IAS Abhishek Prakash's Suspension?

Lucknow: Prathamesh Kumar has been appointed as the new CEO of Invest UP after senior IAS officer Abhishek Prakash was suspended over corruption charges. The Uttar Pradesh government took this step following an inquiry that found Prakash guilty of demanding a ₹350 crore bribe for facilitating an investment project. Kumar, a 2016-batch officer, was already serving as the Vice Chairman (VC) of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and the Additional CEO of Invest UP. Now, he will take on the additional responsibility of leading the state’s key investment promotion agency. 

Suspension Over Corruption Charges

Abhishek Prakash was suspended after allegations surfaced that he demanded a 5% commission from SAEL Solar P6 Private Limited. The company had planned a ₹7,000 crore investment in a solar equipment manufacturing plant. Following a complaint by the company’s representative, government initiated the probe and found him guilty of seeking a ₹350 crore bribe. Now, a vigilance inquiry and departmental probe have been launched against him.  

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Prathamesh Kumar’s Experience and Role in Investment Promotion

Prathamesh Kumar, a 2016-batch IAS officer of the UP cadre, hails from Chandigarh. Born on August 4, 1992, he completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering before clearing the civil services exam.  Before this appointment, Prathamesh Kumar served as Special Secretary to the Chief Minister in the administration department and was also Additional CEO of Invest UP. He played a key role in organizing the Global Investors Summit held in Lucknow in February 2023, which attracted major investments to Uttar Pradesh.  

Born on August 4, 1992, in Chandigarh, Kumar completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering before cracking the civil services exam. His career began as an Assistant Magistrate in Agra in 2017. He later served as Joint Magistrate of Gorakhpur (2018), Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ayodhya (2020), and Special Secretary to the Chief Minister (2021). He was later given charge as CEO of Invest UP and,  took charge as the VC of the Lucknow Development Authority. Now, he has been given additional responsibility as CEO of Invest UP.

What is Invest UP?  

Invest UP is the state government’s investment promotion and facilitation agency aimed at attracting businesses and industries to Yogi Adityanath government-led Uttar Pradesh. It provides essential resources, assistance, and opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to set up businesses in the state.