Introduction
Pravin Kumar is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2006 batch, allotted to the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Recognized for his dynamic administrative leadership across sectors such as mining, municipal governance, tourism, and agriculture, he has held multiple key positions and currently serves as Secretary, Industries & Commerce (Mines) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh.(IPSDetails.com)
Early Life & Education
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Date of Birth: 20 September 1979
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Place of Birth: Bihar, India(IPSDetails.com)
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Education: Earned a B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry from Delhi University—a foundation that fostered analytical thinking and precision, traits that later defined his civil services approach.(IPSDetails.com)
UPSC Journey
Pravin Kumar cracked the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2005, securing All India Rank 19 in his first attempt at age 27. He embarked on his IAS journey as part of the 2006 Andhra Pradesh cadre batch.(IPSDetails.com)
Administrative Career Trajectory
Over nearly two decades, Pravin Kumar has held a diverse array of leadership roles across the state, showcasing adaptability and administrative finesse. Noteworthy positions include:
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Joint Collector & Additional District Magistrate, Visakhapatnam
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Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Visakhapatnam
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District Collector & Magistrate, Visakhapatnam and West Godavari
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Special Commissioner, Agriculture
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Managing Director — Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation; CEO, AP Tourism Authority
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Collector & District Magistrate, Prakasam and Tirupati
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Commissioner & Director, Municipal Administration
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Managing Director, A.P. High Grade Steels Ltd.; A.P. Mineral Development Corporation
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Commissioner & Director, Mines and Geology
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Secretary, Industries & Commerce (Mines) Department, as of 2025(IPSDetails.com)
Administrative Reshuffles
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Commissioner & Director, Mines & Geology, before elevation to his current secretary role.(IndianMandarins, ap7am.com)
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In early 2023, elevated as Vice Chairman & Managing Director of APIIC, along with the post of Commissioner of Industries (additional charge), and CEO, Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. In the wake of the Andhra Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023, he prioritized enhancing the business environment, ease-of-doing-business compliance, investor support, and grievance redressal.(viscan.in)
Recent Initiatives & Impact
In August 2025, under the new Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Policy, Kumar played a crucial role as Director of Mines & Geology, steering a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to resolve ~1,900 pending mining-related cases involving ₹1,800 crore in penalties. The initiative is projected to generate ₹100 crore in immediate revenue, streamline mining operations, revive stalled licenses, and boost economic activity while reducing litigation.(The Times of India)
Controversy & Legal Scrutiny
A significant controversy marked his tenure as District Collector of Visakhapatnam. The Andhra Pradesh High Court convicted Pravin Kumar of willful disobedience of court orders, in a case involving a seven-acre land dispute that was improperly placed on a prohibitory list. The court thrust upon him a two-week sentence and a fine of ₹2,000, though the sentence was suspended to allow for appeal. The judge criticized his failure to notify petitioners or provide due hearing, describing his apology as late and superficial.(ETGovernment.com, The Times of India)
Personal Attributes & Style
While personal life details—like family and spouse—remain private, Pravin Kumar is known for being dynamic, responsive, and sector-agnostic, effectively transitioning among roles in tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining. His focus consistently centers on development, administrative efficiency, investor engagement, and regulatory clarity.
Current Focus & Vision
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Industrial & Mining Sector Revamp: Implementation of the OTS scheme is a game-changer for Andhra Pradesh’s mining ecosystem, signaling a reformist approach.(The Times of India)
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Investment Ecosystem Growth: As APIIC and Industries Commissioner, he is instrumental in translating MoUs from investor summits into tangible investments, enhancing state-wide industrial infrastructure.(viscan.in)
Summary
Pravin Kumar, IAS (Andhra Pradesh cadre, 2006 batch), stands as a seasoned administrator with a rich portfolio spanning mining, municipal governance, tourism, agriculture, and industrial infrastructure. Key highlights include:
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Academic grounding in Chemistry from Delhi University, leading to UPSC AIR 19.
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Diverse administrative roles culminating in Secretary, Industries & Commerce (Mines).
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Oversaw investor-driven industrial development and integrated reforms.
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Spearheaded the impactful mining OTS scheme, unlocking stalled operations.
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Faced judicial scrutiny via a contempt conviction for procedural lapses.
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A results-driven, adaptive leader with an emphasis on transparency and efficiency.
Top Interesting Facts & FAQs
Interesting Facts
Fact # | Insight |
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1 | Achieved AIR 19 in UPSC (2005) and joined IAS at 27. |
2 | Has held leadership roles across diverse sectors—from municipal corporations to mining and tourism. |
3 | Current Ministerial-level bureaucrat guiding ₹13 lakh crore investor MoUs through the Global Investors Summit.(viscan.in) |
4 | Led a pathbreaking One-Time Settlement plan to resolve complex mining disputes and infuse ₹100 crore in revenue.(The Times of India) |
5 | Was convicted in a judicial case for disobeying a High Court order, underlining the significance of procedural adherence in governance.(ETGovernment.com, The Times of India) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Pravin Kumar, IAS?
An Indian Administrative Service officer from the 2006 Andhra Pradesh batch, currently serving as Secretary, Industries & Commerce (Mines).
2. What is his educational background?
Holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry from Delhi University.
3. What key roles has he held?
From collector positions in various districts, leadership in tourism and municipal wings, to heading industrial infrastructure and mining departments.
4. What is the recent One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme about?
A mining-dispute resolution initiative to settle ~1,900 pending cases worth ₹1,800 crore, unlocking ₹100 crore in revenue and revitalizing mining operations.(The Times of India)
5. Was he ever involved in a controversy?
Yes. In 2023, he faced a contempt verdict for non-compliance with court directives in a land dispute while serving as Vizag collector.(ETGovernment.com, The Times of India)
6. What is his current administrative focus?
Revitalizing mining and industrial policy via clarity, investor facilitation, and regulatory efficiency.
7. When is his retirement?
According to public records, slated for 30 September 2039.(IPSDetails.com)
8. What sets him apart?
His versatility across sectors, his proactive industrial development stance, and his reformist approach—tempered by episodes of legal criticism—frame him as a powerful, albeit scrutinized, administrative figure.
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