In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle on July 28, the Uttar Pradesh government appointed 2011-batch IAS officer Deepak Meena as the new District Magistrate (DM) of Gorakhpur – the political bastion of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Meena replaces Krishna Karunesh, who completed a three-year tenure in the high-profile posting.
A Seasoned Administrator
Before this crucial assignment, Meena served as DM of Ghaziabad and has held key administrative positions across Uttar Pradesh, including:
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DM of Siddharthnagar (2019-2022)
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DM of Meerut (2022-2024)
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Chief Development Officer (CDO) in Bulandshahr and Agra
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Joint Magistrate in Azamgarh, Saharanpur, and Aligarh
Known for his crisp decision-making and ground-level governance, Meena’s elevation to Gorakhpur is seen as a strategic posting given the district’s political significance.
From IIT to IAS: An Inspiring Journey
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Education: B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur
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Early Career: Worked with Tata Steel before switching to civil services
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UPSC Success: Cleared Civil Services Exam (2010) and joined IAS (2011 batch, UP cadre)
Key Moments in Service
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Stampede Controversy (2023): As Meerut DM, Meena dismissed rumors of a stampede during a religious event, asserting the situation was under control.
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Rural Development Focus: During his tenure in Siddharthnagar and Shravasti, he emphasized infrastructure and welfare schemes.
Why Gorakhpur Matters
As CM Yogi’s home district, Gorakhpur’s DM faces heightened scrutiny on:
Law & order management
Implementation of state schemes
Coordination with top political leadership
Outgoing DM Krishna Karunesh’s Legacy
Karunesh, one of the longest-serving DMs of Gorakhpur in recent years (3+ years), handed over charge after an eventful tenure marked by development projects and strict administration.
With his technical acumen and administrative experience, Deepak Meena’s appointment is being closely monitored as he steps into one of UP’s most challenging districts. His performance could set the tone for future postings in the state’s bureaucratic framework.
