Jenu Devan, a distinguished 2006-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in Gujarat’s administrative landscape. As the Superintendent of Stamps and Inspector General of Registration in Gandhinagar, Devan has spearheaded innovative reforms to modernize and digitize registration services, enhancing transparency and efficiency for millions of citizens. His career, marked by strategic vision and dedication to public service, spans diverse roles across tourism, labor, and energy sectors, reflecting his versatility and commitment to Gujarat’s development. This biography explores Devan’s inspiring journey, from his early life to his current role as a key figure in Gujarat’s governance, highlighting his contributions to digital innovation and public welfare.
Early Life and Education: Roots of Resilience
Jenu Devan was born in Gujarat, India, during the late 1970s, a time when the state was emerging as a hub of industrial and cultural growth. Raised in a family that valued education and public service, Devan developed an early interest in governance and societal development. His academic journey was marked by excellence, with a strong foundation in the sciences and humanities. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a reputed institution in Gujarat, where his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities were honed. This technical background, combined with his passion for public administration, set the stage for his entry into the prestigious Indian Administrative Service.
Devan’s preparation for the IAS examination was rigorous, reflecting his disciplined approach and intellectual rigor. In 2006, he successfully cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, securing a position in the Gujarat cadre. His early exposure to the challenges of governance in a diverse state like Gujarat shaped his perspective, instilling a commitment to inclusive and efficient public administration.
Early Career: Building a Legacy in Public Service
Jenu Devan’s IAS career began with foundational roles that allowed him to gain a deep understanding of Gujarat’s administrative machinery. His initial postings included roles at the district level, where he tackled grassroots issues such as rural development, infrastructure, and public welfare. These early experiences equipped him with the skills to navigate complex bureaucratic systems while addressing the needs of diverse communities.
By the early 2010s, Devan’s reputation for efficiency and innovation led to his appointment as the Managing Director of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL). In this role, he played a pivotal role in promoting Gujarat as a premier tourist destination. Under his leadership, TCGL launched campaigns to highlight the state’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and natural attractions, contributing to a significant boost in tourism revenue. Devan’s strategic vision and ability to collaborate with stakeholders earned him accolades and set the stage for his future leadership roles.
Ascension to Leadership: Superintendent of Stamps and Inspector General of Registration
In January 2022, Jenu Devan was promoted to the Super Time Scale of IAS and appointed as the Superintendent of Stamps and Inspector General of Registration in Gandhinagar, a position he continues to hold as of 2025. This role places him at the helm of Gujarat’s Department of Registration and Stamps, a critical institution responsible for overseeing property transactions, stamp duty collection, and document registration across the state.
As the head of this department, Devan oversees the operations of 35 Sub-Registrar offices and ensures compliance with the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, and the Registration Act, 1908. His office, located at the Stamp and Registration Bhavan in Gandhinagar, serves as the nodal point for non-postal stamp distribution and document registration, managing a significant portion of the state’s revenue collection. The department ranks second only to the Sales Tax Department in terms of revenue contribution, underscoring its importance to Gujarat’s economic framework.
Pioneering Digital Transformation: The gARVI 2.0 Initiative
One of Devan’s most significant contributions has been his leadership in digitizing Gujarat’s registration and stamp services. In January 2023, under his guidance, the department launched four innovative projects aimed at modernizing operations and enhancing citizen experience. These initiatives, inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, included:
- Stamp and Logo of Registration Office: Establishing a unified identity for registration offices to enhance public trust and accessibility.
- Integration of gARVI 2.0 with ICICI Bank Payment Gateway: Streamlining online payment processes for stamp duty and registration fees, making transactions faster and more secure.
- Paperless Office Initiative: Transitioning to digital storage of documents to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.
- Backup Internet Connectivity: Ensuring uninterrupted services through robust internet infrastructure.
These projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India campaign, which Devan has championed at the state level. By integrating advanced technologies like the gARVI 2.0 platform, Devan has ensured that registration processes are faster, more transparent, and accessible to citizens across Gujarat. His efforts have reduced processing times, minimized errors, and enhanced accountability, earning praise from both government officials and the public.
During the launch event, Devan outlined the vision for these initiatives, emphasizing their role in making registration offices more citizen-centric. His ability to communicate complex technical advancements in an accessible manner has been a hallmark of his leadership, fostering collaboration between the Revenue Department, National Informatics Centre (NIC), ICICI Bank, and Sub-Registrar offices.
Expanding Responsibilities: Additional Charge as Managing Director, Madhya Gujarat Vij Company
In June 2025, Jenu Devan was entrusted with the additional charge of Managing Director of Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (MGVCL), a state-owned power distribution company based in Vadodara. This role, which he assumed while continuing his duties as Superintendent of Stamps, highlights his versatility and the trust placed in him by the Gujarat government. Relieving IAS officer Tejas Dilipbhai Parmar, Devan now oversees MGVCL’s operations, ensuring reliable electricity distribution across central Gujarat.
This dual role underscores Devan’s ability to manage high-stakes responsibilities across diverse sectors. His work at MGVCL focuses on improving operational efficiency, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and enhancing customer service in the power sector, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic administrator.
Additional Roles and Contributions
Beyond his primary roles, Devan has held additional charges that reflect his broad expertise. In 2022, he briefly served as the Commissioner of Labour and Employment in Gandhinagar, where he worked to streamline labor policies and improve worker welfare. His ability to juggle multiple portfolios while maintaining high standards of performance is a testament to his organizational skills and dedication to public service.
Devan’s contributions extend to judicial and regulatory oversight. As the Superintendent of Stamps, he acts as the Chief Controlling Revenue Authority, ensuring compliance with stamp duty regulations and resolving disputes related to property valuations. His office has been involved in several high-profile cases before the Gujarat High Court, where his team’s expertise in market valuation and registration processes has been critical.
Challenges and Resilience: Navigating a Complex Landscape
The role of Superintendent of Stamps and Inspector General of Registration is not without challenges. The department handles sensitive issues such as property disputes, stamp duty evasion, and regulatory compliance, often under intense public and judicial scrutiny. Devan’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating these challenges, particularly in ensuring that the department’s operations remain transparent and aligned with legal standards.
His focus on digitization has also addressed longstanding issues of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption. By moving toward a paperless office and integrating secure payment gateways, Devan has reduced opportunities for malpractices, earning accolades for his commitment to ethical governance.
A Vision for the Future: Sustaining Gujarat’s Growth
As of July 2025, Jenu Devan continues to lead Gujarat’s Department of Registration and Stamps with a focus on innovation and public welfare. His vision includes further expanding the reach of digital services, ensuring that even rural citizens can access registration and stamp facilities seamlessly. He is also exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance predictive modeling for revenue collection and fraud detection.
In his role at MGVCL, Devan aims to advance Gujarat’s renewable energy goals, aligning with the state’s commitment to sustainable development. His dual responsibilities position him as a key player in Gujarat’s journey toward becoming a model state for governance and economic growth.
Personal Life and Legacy
While Jenu Devan’s professional achievements are well-documented, he remains a private individual, focusing his energies on serving the public. Colleagues describe him as approachable, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to his work. His ability to balance technical expertise with empathetic leadership has made him a respected figure among peers and subordinates alike.
Devan’s legacy is one of transformation—turning bureaucratic systems into efficient, citizen-friendly institutions. His work in digitizing registration services and promoting sustainable energy practices will have a lasting impact on Gujarat’s administrative and economic landscape.
Conclusion
Jenu Devan’s journey from an engineering graduate to a trailblazing IAS officer is a testament to the power of dedication and innovation. As the Superintendent of Stamps and Inspector General of Registration, he has redefined how administrative services are delivered in Gujarat, making them more accessible, transparent, and efficient. With his additional role at MGVCL, Devan continues to drive progress across multiple sectors, embodying the spirit of modern governance. His story inspires aspiring civil servants and underscores the impact of visionary leadership in shaping a better future for all.