Anil Kumar Singhal, a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, stands as a paragon of administrative excellence, with a career that spans transformative roles in temple administration, public health, and education policy. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to public service, Singhal has left an indelible mark on Andhra Pradesh’s governance landscape and India’s bureaucratic framework. From his groundbreaking reforms as Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to his pivotal roles in health and education, Singhal’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and dedication. This biography delves into his life, achievements, and ongoing contributions, offering a comprehensive look at a leader shaping India’s future.
Early Life and Education: The Making of a Leader
Anil Kumar Singhal was born in the late 1960s in North India, in a family that valued education and discipline. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Singhal displayed an early aptitude for academics and leadership. His formative years were marked by a strong work ethic and a curiosity for solving complex problems, traits that would define his illustrious career.
Singhal pursued his education with rigor, excelling in his studies and securing admission to a prestigious institution. While specific details about his academic background are not widely publicized, his preparation for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination reflects his disciplined approach. Clearing the UPSC exam in 1993, Singhal joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as part of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, embarking on a journey that would see him rise through the ranks of India’s bureaucracy.
Early Career: Laying the Foundation in Public Service
Anil Kumar Singhal’s early career in the IAS was characterized by diverse roles that honed his administrative skills. Assigned to the Andhra Pradesh cadre, he served in various capacities across districts, tackling challenges in rural development, infrastructure, and public administration. His ability to navigate complex bureaucratic systems while delivering tangible results earned him a reputation as a dynamic and capable officer.
By the mid-2010s, Singhal’s expertise led to his appointment as Resident Commissioner at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi, a role he held until May 2017. This position required diplomatic finesse and strategic coordination between the state and central governments, further showcasing his versatility. His tenure in New Delhi set the stage for one of the most significant roles of his career: Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Transformative Leadership at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)
In May 2017, under the Telugu Desam government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, Anil Kumar Singhal was appointed as the Executive Officer (EO) of TTD, becoming the 25th officer to hold this prestigious position. TTD, which manages the world-renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati one of the richest and most visited religious institutions globally presented a unique challenge. Singhal’s appointment as the first IAS officer from North India to lead TTD sparked some controversy, but his tenure soon silenced critics through transformative reforms and transparent administration.
During his first stint as TTD EO from May 2017 to October 2020, Singhal introduced groundbreaking initiatives that revolutionized temple management. One of his most notable contributions was the Srivani Trust, a donations-linked VIP break darshan scheme that he conceptualized. Launched to streamline pilgrim services and enhance transparency, the Srivani Trust garnered donations worth Rs 650 crore within three years, significantly boosting TTD’s financial resources. Singhal’s focus on digitalization, including online booking systems for darshan and accommodation, improved accessibility for millions of devotees worldwide. His efforts also included infrastructure upgrades, enhanced crowd management, and initiatives to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience.
Singhal’s leadership at TTD was marked by a commitment to transparency and accountability. When faced with challenges, such as the seizure of gold by TTD officials, he addressed issues head-on, ensuring public trust in the institution. His tenure was extended twice first in 2019 for a year and then in 2020 until further orders reflecting the confidence that successive state governments placed in his abilities. Singhal briefly returned to TTD as EO with full additional charge from December 22, 2022, to January 2, 2023, during the absence of the incumbent EO, AV Dharma Reddy, demonstrating his continued relevance to the organization.
Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare: Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis
In October 2020, the Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, transferred Singhal from TTD to the role of Principal Secretary, Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Department. This move was strategic, as the state was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Singhal’s appointment came at a critical time, with the health department tasked with managing rising cases and implementing containment measures.
As Principal Secretary, Singhal played a pivotal role in coordinating Andhra Pradesh’s response to the pandemic. He emphasized data-driven decision-making, advocating for detailed analysis from hospitals to inform policy. Singhal issued stern warnings to private hospitals treating COVID-19 patients without valid authorization, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding public health. His leadership helped streamline testing, treatment, and vaccination efforts, contributing to the state’s efforts to curb the virus. His tenure in this role also saw him serve as an ex-officio member of the TTD trust board, maintaining his connection to the temple administration.
Principal Secretary to the Governor: A Role of Distinction
In February 2023, Singhal was appointed Principal Secretary to the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Biswabhusan Harichandan, taking charge from Special Chief Secretary R.P. Sisodia at Raj Bhavan in Vijayawada. This role placed him at the heart of gubernatorial functions, requiring a blend of administrative expertise and diplomatic finesse. Singhal’s appointment was a recognition of his ability to handle high-profile roles with sensitivity and efficiency. During his tenure, he facilitated key interactions between the Governor’s office and state government, ensuring smooth coordination on matters of policy and protocol.
Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy
In October 2024, Singhal was empanelled as Additional Secretary in the Government of India, a significant milestone in his career. He was appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, replacing IAS officer Vipin Kumar. In this role, Singhal contributed to initiatives like School Education Shagun, a platform integrating portals and websites of the Department of School Education across India’s states and union territories. His work focused on improving educational quality and access, aligning with national priorities to enhance the school education system.
However, in July 2025, Singhal was granted premature repatriation to his parent cadre in Andhra Pradesh to avail a cadre-level promotion, as announced by posts on X and various news sources. This move reflects his continued importance to the state’s administrative framework and his potential for higher leadership roles.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Anil Kumar Singhal’s leadership is characterized by a blend of innovation, transparency, and a people-centric approach. His ability to implement large-scale reforms, as seen at TTD, demonstrates his strategic vision, while his handling of the COVID-19 crisis highlights his crisis management skills. Singhal’s emphasis on digitalization and data-driven governance has modernized the institutions he has served, earning him accolades from peers and the public alike.
His tenure at TTD, in particular, showcased his ability to balance tradition with modernity, ensuring that the spiritual sanctity of the Sri Venkateswara Temple was preserved while introducing reforms to enhance efficiency. Singhal’s collaborative approach, evident in his engagement with stakeholders across sectors, has made him a respected figure in both state and central government circles.
Personal Life and Legacy
While Singhal maintains a low public profile regarding his personal life, his professional achievements speak volumes about his dedication to public service. Based in Andhra Pradesh, he continues to serve with a commitment to improving governance and public welfare. His contributions to TTD, public health, and education have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of administrators.
As Singhal returns to his parent cadre in Andhra Pradesh in 2025, his career trajectory suggests that he will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s administrative landscape. His journey from a North Indian IAS officer to a transformative leader in Andhra Pradesh is a story of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Conclusion: A Visionary Administrator
Anil Kumar Singhal’s career is a remarkable narrative of leadership, innovation, and service. From revolutionizing temple administration at TTD to steering Andhra Pradesh through the COVID-19 crisis and contributing to national education policy, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and efficiency. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Singhal remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring civil servants and a driving force in India’s governance ecosystem.