BY TARIQUE SALEEM
“Director of Information and Public Relations, Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Vishal Singh continues to inspire by exemplifying how vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to public good can truly transform societies. Recently transferred from District Magistrate Bhadohi to this prestigious post, Mr. Singh’s elevation reflects not only his remarkable service record but also the deep trust and confidence he commands at the highest levels of governance. The role of Director Information is one of immense responsibility, entrusted only to those who are exceptionally capable and close to the Chief Minister. It is widely said that Mr. Vishal Singh is among the most trusted officers in the inner circle of Honourable Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Ji, with many regarding him as a closest confidante. His career, defined by dedication, innovation, and fearless leadership, stands as a shining example for future generations striving to make a meaningful impact in public service.”
Born on November 3, 1973, in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, IAS Vishal Singh’s life is a glowing testament to the power of relentless learning, innovation, and dedication to public service. Raised in a distinguished family, Singh’s early inclination towards knowledge and critical thinking laid the foundation for an exceptional career in civil services.
After completing his schooling at Sant Atulanand Residential Academy and UP College Varanasi, he pursued a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Madan Mohan Malviya Institute of Technology, Gorakhpur (1995), followed by an MBA in Marketing from IMS Ghaziabad (1998). His academic rigor seamlessly transitioned into administrative excellence when he cleared the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission and began his career as a PCS officer.
His early postings as SDM Roorkee and Kashipur saw him revolutionizing service delivery by collaborating with IIT Roorkee professors, pioneering a kiosk-based model to provide government services—an innovation later adopted by the Uttarakhand Government. As Executive Director of UP Hill Electronics Corporation Limited in 2005, Singh demonstrated managerial brilliance by turning around a loss-making enterprise into a profitable one through re-training and redeployment of manpower.
At the Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA), Singh implemented World Bank-funded projects like the Citizen Data Hub, Aarohi Initiative (introducing IT-based learning in government schools), and computerized land records, setting new benchmarks for governance through technology.
Singh’s national contribution began in 2006 as Senior Consultant at the Ministry of IT, where he managed mission-mode programs and played a vital role in early initiatives that led to the creation of UIDAI (Aadhaar). His leadership was instrumental in modernizing taxation departments like CBDT and CBEC through digitization.
In his field postings, whether it was bringing riots under control as SDM Ghaziabad (2008) or implementing law and order during the Muzaffarnagar riots as SDM Meerut (2013), Singh earned a reputation for being a firm yet empathetic administrator. His crackdown on illegal mining, land-grabbing, and his successful execution of the E-District project in Noida solidified his reputation for administrative efficiency.
His quest for excellence led him to pursue further education—earning a Chevening Scholarship for a leadership course at the London School of Economics (2009) and a Master’s in Public Policy and Management with specialization in International Development at the University of Maryland (2012).
Among Singh’s standout achievements is his pioneering role in the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham Project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. Tasked with clearing close to 300 buildings while preserving hidden centuries-old temples, Singh’s leadership not only transformed Kashi but also revived its ancient spiritual heritage.
Recognized for his success, he was entrusted with transforming Ayodhya into a world-class spiritual city. As Municipal Commissioner, he spearheaded cleanliness drives and modernized infrastructure to match the grand vision for Lord Ram’s birthplace.
Today, as Director of Information and Public Relations, Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Vishal Singh continues to inspire by exemplifying how vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to public good can truly transform societies. His journey stands as a beacon of hope and excellence for future generations.
