In a remarkable stride within India’s bureaucratic corridors, Atul Kumar, a 2011-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has been appointed as Director in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) in Delhi, under the Central Deputation scheme facilitated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This appointment, announced on March 26, 2025, marks a significant chapter in Kumar’s career, reflecting his ascent from tax administration to a pivotal role in steering India’s public asset management and disinvestment strategies.
Born on April 12, 1985, in the culturally rich city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Atul Kumar’s journey is one of grit and intellectual rigor. With a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU, Kumar’s early years were defined by a fascination with technology and its potential to solve real-world problems. However, his calling shifted toward public service, leading him to crack the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2010, securing a place in the IRS—a testament to his analytical prowess and determination.
Kumar’s career in the IRS began with a focus on income tax administration, where he quickly earned a reputation for his meticulous approach and innovative solutions. Over the years, he served in various capacities across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, tackling complex tax evasion cases and streamlining compliance processes. One of his lesser-known contributions includes spearheading a pilot project in 2016, dubbed “Tax Transparency Initiative,” which leveraged data analytics to enhance voluntary tax compliance among small businesses in northern India—an effort that quietly revolutionized local revenue collection.
Beyond his technical acumen, Kumar brings a unique perspective shaped by his roots. An avid reader of ancient Indian texts like the Arthashastra, he often credits Kautilya’s principles of governance and economics for inspiring his approach to public administration. This blend of modern expertise and traditional wisdom sets him apart in a field often dominated by conventional thinking.
Now, as Director at DIPAM, Kumar steps into a role that demands strategic foresight and economic vision. The department, under the Ministry of Finance, is tasked with managing the government’s equity in public sector enterprises, orchestrating disinvestment, and optimizing asset utilization—a portfolio critical to India’s fiscal health. Insiders suggest Kumar’s appointment reflects confidence in his ability to navigate the intricate balance between economic growth and public welfare. His tenure, set for five years or until further orders, promises to influence landmark decisions, from divestment of stakes in PSUs to fostering investor confidence in India’s economic reforms.
Kumar’s personal life adds depth to his professional narrative. A trained classical vocalist, he finds solace in the ragas of Hindustani music, a passion he nurtured during his college days. Colleagues describe him as approachable yet resolute, often seen mentoring young officers with the same zeal he applies to policy frameworks. His move to Delhi also reunites him with his family—his wife, a schoolteacher, and their two daughters—after years of balancing postings across states.
While his track record inspires optimism, Kumar’s new role isn’t without challenges. Critics of DIPAM’s past disinvestment strategies argue for greater transparency and inclusivity—hurdles Kumar will need to address. Yet, if his past is any indicator, he’s likely to meet these head-on, armed with data-driven insights and a quiet resolve.
As Atul Kumar embarks on this transformative journey, his story is a compelling narrative of how a small-town dreamer from Varanasi is now poised to shape India’s economic destiny, one strategic decision at a time.