Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Kannadiga IAS officer Vijay Kiran Anand at helm of affairs

Vijay Kiran Anand, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the District Magistrate (DM) for the newly formed Maha Kumbh Mela district, operating from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Anand, a native of Karnataka born in 1979, is known for his strong governance and administrative skills. A Chartered Accountant (CA) by training, he cleared the UPSC exam in 2008 with an All India Rank of 32, marking the start of his successful public service career.

Anand’s career has seen him serve as District Magistrate in various districts, including Mainpuri, Unnao, Firozabad, Bijnor, Shahjahanpur, and Varanasi. His prior experience with the Kumbh Mela, having served as the Mela Officer from 2017 to 2019, gives him invaluable expertise in organizing large-scale events, making him well-suited for overseeing the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which will span 121 days across 67 villages in four tehsils, requires meticulous planning and coordination. Anand’s past roles in Panchayati Raj, Irrigation, and Basic Education further equip him to handle the administrative demands of this grand spiritual and cultural event. His leadership is expected to ensure the smooth operation of the Mela, enhancing the experience for millions of devotees.