UP Government Grants NOCs for Central Deputation to IAS Officers Pankaj Kumar and Aryaka Akhouri, Paving Way for Key Central Postings
In a major administrative development, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has formally issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two senior Indian Administrative Service officers—Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS (UP:2002) and Ms. Aryaka Akhouri, IAS (UP:2013)—clearing the path for their induction into central government assignments.
The issuance of NOCs signifies the state government’s official consent, enabling both officers to be considered for postings in various ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies under the Government of India. According to highly placed sources, central posting orders are expected to be notified shortly, marking a new phase in the professional journeys of both officers.
At present, Shri Pankaj Kumar is serving as the Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), while Ms. Aryaka Akhouri holds the position of Special Secretary in the Medical, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Sources within the state administration have also indicated that additional IAS officers from the Uttar Pradesh cadre may soon be granted NOCs for central deputation, suggesting an ongoing realignment of senior administrative roles within the state.
Profile: Ms. Aryaka Akhouri, IAS
Ms. Aryaka Akhouri, a 2013-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been serving as Special Secretary, Medical Health and Family Welfare Department, since April 2025. Born on 14 December 1985 in Patna, Bihar, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and a Master’s degree in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Miranda House, University of Delhi.
Career Milestones
She began her administrative career as Joint Magistrate in Varanasi and subsequently served as Chief Development Officer, Meerut.
As District Magistrate of Bhadohi (2021–2022), she earned recognition for decisive law-and-order measures, including strict action against organized crime under the Gangster Act and administrative reforms such as introducing a professional dress code in government offices.
During her tenure as District Magistrate, Ghazipur (2022–2025), she became widely known for firm enforcement of prohibitory orders and zero tolerance towards irregularities in public welfare schemes, suspending officials involved in administrative lapses.
Her administrative approach focuses on discipline, infrastructure development, rural governance reforms, and strong action against criminal networks, making her one of the most prominent field administrators in the state.
Profile: Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS
A 2002-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Shri Pankaj Kumar is currently serving as the Managing Director of UPPCL, overseeing the state’s power distribution and management system.
Born on 10 September 1979 in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, he holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy, reportedly from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
Career Highlights
He has served as District Magistrate and Collector in several strategically important districts including Ballia, Agra, Aligarh, Sitapur, and Muzaffarnagar, and has also functioned as Principal Staff Officer to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh.
His diverse administrative experience includes key roles such as Project Director, UP AIDS Control Society, Director, Rajasva Vishisht Abhisuchna Nideshalaya (Revenue Intelligence), Lucknow, and Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
In 2025, he was elected General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh IAS Association, reflecting his professional standing within the administrative fraternity.
Why the NOCs Matter
The grant of NOCs by the state government is a mandatory procedural requirement for IAS officers aspiring to serve on central deputation. Such deputation enables officers to take up senior responsibilities in Union ministries, constitutional bodies, regulatory authorities, and national-level institutions, thereby contributing to policymaking and governance at the national stage.
With the formal clearance now in place, both Pankaj Kumar and Aryaka Akhouri are poised to assume central assignments in the near future, marking a significant milestone in their already distinguished civil service careers.
