LucileBrownbill at 19:54, 21 September 2025

2025-09-21T19:54:43Z

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{{Short description|Indian politician and former IAS}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Arvind Kumar Sharma
| image = A-k-sharma-urja-mantri.jpg
| caption =
| office = Minister of Urban Development<br/>[[Government of Uttar Pradesh]]
| term_start = 25 March 2022
| term_end =
| 1blankname = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister]]
| 1namedata = [[Yogi Adityanath]]
| predecessor = [[Ashutosh Tandon]]
| office2 = Minister of Energy<br/>[[Government of Uttar Pradesh]]
| term_start2 = 25 March 2022
| term_end2 =
| 1blankname2 = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister]]
| 1namedata2 = [[Yogi Adityanath]]
| predecessor2 = [[Shrikant Sharma]]
| office3 = Member of [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council]]
| term_start3 = 31 January 2021
| term_end3 =
| constituency3 = ''elected by Legislative Assembly members''
| birth_name = Arvind Kumar Sharma
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1962|07|11}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Civil List of IAS Officers |url=https://dtf.in/wp-content/files/Civil_List_of_IAS_Officers_-_Appendix_A_-_Combined_Gradation_List_of_IAS_Officers_appointed_on_the_result_of_annual_competitive_Exam._As_on_01.01.2014-civillist.ias.nic.in.htm |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=dtf.in}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Mau District|Mau]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| otherparty =
| residence = [[Lucknow]]
| alma_mater =
| profession = [[IAS officer]], [[Politician]]
| education =
| website = {{URL|aksharmabharat.in|Official website}}
| footnotes =
| Parent(s) =
}}
'''Arvind Kumar Sharma''' (born 11 July 1962) is an Indian politician from [[Uttar Pradesh]], former [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) officer and bureaucrat of 1988 batch. He is currently a Cabinet Minister in [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref name="zeenews india">{{Cite web|author=Zee Media Bureau|title=PM मोदी के करीबी IAS एके शर्मा को मिली बड़ी जिम्मेदारी, बनाए गए नगर विकास और ऊर्जा मंत्री
|url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/up-uttarakhand/uttar-pradesh/up-ministers-portfolio-2022-mau-mla-ak-sharma-urban-development-and-energy-minister-spup/1137106|access-date= 2022-03-28|website= zeenews.india.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hindustan|first=Times|title=BJP appoints former IAS officer AK Sharma as vice president of Uttar Pradesh unit|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/bjp-appoints-former-ias-officer-ak-sharma-as-vice-president-of-uttar-pradesh-unit-101624101917359.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 June 2021|website=HindustanTimes.com|date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619113214/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/bjp-appoints-former-ias-officer-ak-sharma-as-vice-president-of-uttar-pradesh-unit-101624101917359.html |archive-date=2021-06-19 }}</ref> Before joining politics, Sharma was an IAS officer from [[Gujarat]] Cadre of the 1988 batch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why A K Sharma is not just another Gujarat bureaucrat in the PM's circle or just another vice-president in Uttar Pradesh BJP|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-k-sharma-gujarat-bureaucrat-pms-circle-uttar-pradesh-bjp-7377472/|access-date=2021-06-29|website= Indian Express|date=27 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Not end of road for Modi's trusted IAS officer who took VRS, he could play bigger role in govt|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/not-end-of-road-for-modis-trusted-ias-officer-who-took-vrs-he-could-play-bigger-role-in-govt/584314/|access-date=2021-06-29|website= The Wire|date=13 January 2021 }}</ref>
Sharma was an aide of [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Narendra Modi]], with whom he had worked for 20 years. He was also CEO, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and has also managed multiple [[Vibrant Gujarat]] summits. He joined the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]] as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New BJP member Arvind Sharma is part of Modi's Mission 2022 in UP|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/new-bjp-member-arvind-sharma-is-part-of-modi-s-mission-2022-in-up-1759993-2021-01-17|access-date=2021-06-29|website= India Today|date=17 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PM Modi's Trusted Officer Of 20 Years Joins BJP, May Get Big UP Role|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kumar-sharma-pm-modis-trusted-officer-of-20-years-joins-bjp-may-get-big-up-role-2352377|access-date=2021-06-29|website= NDTV}}</ref>
In 2019, he moved out of the PMO to become a secretary in the [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]] but took voluntary retirement in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gujarat cadre IAS officer Arvind Kumar Sharma may be made minister in Yogi govt
|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/gujarat-cadre-ias-officer-arvind-kumar-sharma-may-be-made-minister-in-yogi-govt-101610695502344.html|access-date=2021-06-29|website= Hundustan Times|date=15 January 2021 }}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Arvind Kumar Sharma was born in Uttar Pradesh’s [[Mau district]] to Shri Shivmurti Sharma and Shrimati Sharma. He completed schooling from his home district before graduating from [[University of Allahabad|Allahabad University]]. He pursued a master's degree in political science before joining the civil services.<ref name="MoneyControl">{{Cite web|author=GULAM JEELANI|title=Who is AK Sharma, ex- bureaucrat who retired to join BJP in Uttar Pradesh
|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/politics/who-is-ak-sharma-ex-bureaucrat-who-retired-to-join-bjp-in-uttar-pradesh-6350581.html|access-date=2021-01-15|website= Money Control}}</ref>
<ref name="navbharattimes">{{Cite web|author=Shashi Mishra|title=Gujarat Cadre IAS Arvind Kumar Sharma Know all about him
|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/lucknow/politics/gujarat-cadre-ias-arvind-kumar-sharma-who-may-join-politcs-in-uttar-pradesh-know-all-about-him/articleshow/80245090.cms|access-date=2021-01-13|website= Navbharat Times}}</ref>

== Work in Gujarat ==
In 1988, Sharma became a civil servant and started his career as an IAS officer with the [[Gujarat]] cadre. His first posting was as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). In 1995, he took charge as the District Magistrate of Mehsana.<ref name="NEWS18">{{Cite web|author=NEWS18.COM|title=From Gujarat CMO to PMO: How IAS Officer AK Sharma Became 'Modi's Man'
|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/from-gujarat-cmo-to-pmo-how-ias-officer-ak-sharma-became-modis-man-3867512.html|access-date= 2021-06-19|website= News 18|date=19 June 2021
}}</ref> After Narendra Modi came to power in Gujarat in 2001, Sharma joined the Chief Minister’s Office as a Secretary and remained there till 2014 before shifting to the Centre.<ref name="FreepressJournal">{{Cite web|author=FreepressJournal |title=Who is AK Sharma? All you need to know about
|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/who-is-ak-sharma-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-newly-appointed-vice-president-of-up-bjp|access-date= 2021-06-19|website= FreepressJournal}}</ref> Sharma worked in the [[Government of Gujarat]] as District Development Officer in Vadodara, Managing Director of Industrial Extension Bureau, and the CEO of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB).<ref name="theprint">{{Cite web|author=theprint.com|title=Modi's key man in Gujarat
|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/not-end-of-road-for-modis-trusted-ias-officer-who-took-vrs-he-could-play-bigger-role-in-govt/584314/|access-date= 2021-01-13|website= theprint|date=13 January 2021
}}</ref> He set up the Gujarat section of the dedicated freight corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor as well as [[Dholera Special Investment Region]].<ref name="Times of india">{{Cite news|author=Rajiv Shah|title=Demand for scarce Narmada waters for Dholera special investm A K Sharma|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/demand-for-scarce-narmada-waters-for-dholera-special-investment-region/articleshow/17879105.cms|access-date= 2013-01-04|website= Times of India|date=4 January 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Business Standard">{{Cite web|author=Nivedita Mookerji & Premal Balan |title=Vibrant Gujarat man is India Inc's PMO pointsman
|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/vibrant-gujarat-man-is-india-inc-s-pmo-pointsman-114071700132_1.html|access-date= 2014-07-17|website= Business Standard}}</ref>

== Work in PMO ==
Arvind Kumar Sharma remained as Secretary in Chief Minister’s Office till 2014 when [[Narendra Modi]] became the Prime Minister. He then joined the PMO as a Joint Secretary in 2014 and was elevated to the Additional Secretary rank in 2017.<ref name="The Hindu">{{Cite news|author=Rahi Gaikwad |title=2 bureaucrats from Gujarat move to PMO
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/2-bureaucrats-from-gujarat-move-to-pmo/article6070498.ece|access-date= 2014-05-31|website= The Hindu|date=31 May 2014
}}</ref> After his long stint in the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|PMO]], Sharma was entrusted with the charge of [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises|micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME)]] ministry.<ref name="business standard">{{Cite web|title=A K Sharma takes charge as MSME Secretary
|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/a-k-sharma-takes-charge-as-msme-secretary-120050101247_1.html|access-date= 2014-05-01|website= business standard |last1=India |first1=Press Trust of }}</ref>
[[File:A-K-sharma-with-pm.jpg|thumb|A K Sharma with PM Narendra Modi]]

== Voluntary retirement and entry into politics ==
Arvind Kumar Sharma sought retirement in January 2021 from civil services, 18 months before his due retirement. A few days after his voluntary retirement, Sharma joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="Outlook India">{{Cite web|author=Outlook India|title=Gujarat cadre IAS officer joins BJP after taking VRS
|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/up-gujarat-cadre-ias-officer-joins-bjp-after-taking-vrs/2010354|access-date= 2021-01-14|website= Outlook India}}</ref>

In 2021 he worked on the [[COVID-19 epidemic]] in [[Varanasi]],<ref name="Economic Times">{{Cite news|author=Kumar Anshuman|title=Ex IAS officer and BJP MLC AK Sharma steps in to control worsening Varanasi pandemic
|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ak-sharma-steps-in-to-control-worsening-varanasi-pandemic/articleshow/82072350.cms|access-date= 2021-04-15|website= Economic Times|date=15 April 2021
}}</ref> during which COVID cases in the city were reduced from over 1,000 to under 300. Sharma offered 53,000 medical kits and other aid to manage CSR funds. He also supported other functionaries{{who|date=May 2024}} of BJP to in COVID mitigation work, and helped authorities to disseminate alternative medicine in the most affected areas.<ref name="Times of India">{{Cite news|author=Pankaj Shah |title=PM Narendra Modi's aide at helm of relief operations in East
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/pms-aide-at-helm-of-relief-ops-in-east-up/articleshow/82814202.cms|access-date= 2021-05-21|website= Times of India|date=21 May 2021
}}</ref> He also led the establishment of the Kashi COVID response center.<ref name="PIB">{{Cite web|author=Pib |title=PM Narendra Modi Kashi COVID response center
|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1712536|access-date= 2021-04-18|website= pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="Live mint">{{Cite web|author=Neetu Chandra Sharma |title=PM takes stock of Varanasi infections as caseload continues to climb
|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-takes-stock-of-varanasi-infections-as-caseload-continues-to-climb-11618743810126.html|access-date= 2021-04-18|website= Live mint|date=18 April 2021
}}</ref><ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite news|author=timesofindia |title=Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Kashi model to curb Covid
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/prime-minister-narendra-modi-praises-kashi-model-to-curb-covid/articleshow/82787526.cms|access-date= 2021-05-20|newspaper= The Times of India|date=20 May 2021
}}</ref>

He is currently a cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="navbharattimes.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web|author=Zee Media Bureau|title=UP Cabinet Minister Profile: योगी सरकार में कद्दावर मंत्री बनकर उभरे AK Sharma बनाए गए नगर विकास और ऊर्जा मंत्री
|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttar-pradesh/lucknow/ak-sharma-uttar-pradesh-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-minister-department-portfolio/articleshow/90502051.cms|access-date= 2022-03-28|website= navbharattimes.indiatimes.com}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharma, Arvind Kumar}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:People from Mau district]]
[[Category:Members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Indian Administrative Service officers]]
[[Category:1962 births]]

A. K. Sharma - Revision history

LucileBrownbill at 19:54, 21 September 2025