Early Life & Education
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Date of Birth: 25 May 1972 (The secretariat)
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Educational Qualifications:
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Master of Science (M.Sc.), with specialization in Forestry.
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Master of International Development Policy (likely from Duke University—as per standard credentials in civil services) (Ais Portal, The secretariat)
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Languages Known: English, Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam (The secretariat)
Civil Service Entry
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Cleared the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 1999 and was allotted to the Andhra Pradesh cadre in the 2000 batch, becoming an IAS officer at around 28 years old (IPSDetails.com, The secretariat).
Professional Journey & Key Assignments
S. Suresh Kumar has held several significant portfolios over the years, reflecting his versatile administrative skills:
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Principal Secretary, Infrastructure & Investment (I&I Dept.)
Promoted and served in this role until early 2025 (Deccan Chronicle, The Hans India). -
Principal Secretary, MA&UD (Municipal Administration & Urban Development)
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Transferred to this key role overseeing urban planning and development in early 2025 (The Hans India, Government of Andhra Pradesh).
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Principal Secretary, Skills Development & Training Department
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Led AP’s skilling initiatives and emphasized aligning training with industry demands, aiming to transform lives rather than merely provide jobs (APAC Media).
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Engagement in Amaravati Capital Development
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As MA&UD Principal Secretary, he has been central to overseeing development of Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh’s new capital city.
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Recent News & Notable Developments
1. Restoring Pensions to Landless Families in Amaravati
He announced the restoration of monthly welfare pensions (₹2,500 per month) to 1,575 landless poor families in Amaravati—reasoning that these families lost livelihoods due to land acquisition for the new capital development. The move stems from the CRDA resolution and reinstates their eligibility under the 2015 survey process (The Times of India).
2. Green Building Incentives & Net-Zero Ambitions
At the IGBC Green Andhra Summit 2025 in Vijayawada, S. Suresh Kumar emphasized promoting green buildings and announced financial incentives such as impact fee discounts and RERA fee refunds. Amaravati’s headquarters has attained Net-Zero Energy certification, marking the city’s sustainability push (The Times of India).
3. Real-Time Governance for Sanitation Services
Rolled out an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) integrated with Real Time Governance to monitor sanitation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Municipal targets include 80% satisfaction for garbage collection and 75% for drain clearance—monitored through citizen feedback and strict documentation protocols (The Times of India).
4. Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS)
Initiated AP’s pilot AI-powered mosquito control program across 66 sites in six major cities. The program uses IoT sensors, real-time dashboards, drones, heat maps, and targeted fumigation to curb vector-borne diseases effectively and responsibly (The Times of India).
5. Ranking System for Urban Local Bodies
Launched a state-wide ULB performance ranking system based on indicators like water supply, waste management, sewerage, and street lighting. The initiative, developed by MA&UD under Suresh Kumar’s stewardship, includes real-time monitoring and emphasizes transparency and accountability (The Times of India).
Summary: Vision & Administrative Leadership
S. Suresh Kumar embodies a forward-thinking administrator bringing sustainability, smart governance, and holistic urban development to the forefront. His work in Amaravati—spanning pension restoration, green infrastructure, sanitation reforms, and public health innovation—demonstrates his commitment to inclusive and resilient urban growth.
Top Interesting Facts
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Holds dual master's degrees, including one in International Development Policy.
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Took the IAS path by topping the 1999 CSE and joining the 2000 Andhra Pradesh cadre.
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Spearheaded skilling reforms in AP, aiming to transform lives beyond job numbers.
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Instrumental in restoring pensions for families affected by the Amaravati Land Pooling Scheme.
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A strong advocate for green infrastructure, working towards a Net-Zero Energy certification for key buildings.
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Pioneered AI and IoT-driven public health solutions like SMoSS for mosquito control.
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Championed real-time urban governance, using tools like IVRS and performance dashboards.
FAQs
Q1: What is S. Suresh Kumar’s current position?
A: He is the Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Q2: What are his educational credentials?
A: He holds an M.Sc. (Forestry) and a Master of International Development Policy, and is proficient in four languages including Telugu and English.
Q3: What major projects has he led recently?
A: He’s central to the sustainable development of Amaravati, introducing green building incentives, restoring pensions, implementing sanitation governance reforms, launching AI-based mosquito control, and creating ULB rankings.
Q4: Has he been involved in skilling initiatives in AP?
A: Yes. As Principal Secretary of the Skills Development & Training Department, he focused on future-ready skilling, tying training to industry needs, and uplifting youth from remote and underserved communities.
Q5: Has he faced any controversies?
A: No controversies or allegations are recorded in the public domain thus far; his recent tenure has been marked primarily by progressive governance initiatives.
Conclusion
S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, stands out as a transformative bureaucrat driving innovation, sustainability, and public welfare in Andhra Pradesh. From ensuring life-changing pensions to pioneering digital governance and green infrastructure, his leadership resonates with accountability and vision for future-ready urban landscapes.
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