Shri Manu Srivastava, a distinguished 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, is widely hailed as the “Solar Man” of the state. Currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the New and Renewable Energy Department, with additional responsibility for Sports and Youth Welfare, Shri Srivastava has fundamentally transformed India’s renewable energy landscape. His career, spanning over three decades, is defined by pioneering innovation, technical brilliance, and a relentless pursuit of sustainable development. Recently elected as the President of the Madhya Pradesh IAS Association, he continues to be a leading voice in administrative excellence and climate action.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Born on September 6, 1967, Shri Manu Srivastava’s administrative journey is anchored in an exceptional academic foundation. He earned both his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. His deep technical expertise has been a cornerstone of his success in the energy sector, allowing him to navigate the complex engineering and economic challenges of power generation. Furthering his intellectual horizons, he also obtained an M.Phil. from the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in Delhi, blending technical prowess with advanced governance strategies.
A Distinguished Career Path
Shri Srivastava’s career is a testament to his versatility and commitment to public service. In his early years, he served with distinction as the Collector and District Magistrate of several key districts, where he was recognized for his focus on public welfare and efficient administration. However, it is his work in the energy sector over the last 15 years that has earned him international acclaim.
He has held critical roles, including Principal Secretary of the New and Renewable Energy Department, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam, and Chairperson of Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL). His recent elevation to Additional Chief Secretary reflects the government’s immense trust in his ability to lead the state’s transition toward a green economy. Beyond energy, his leadership as the head of Technical Education and Skill Development has been instrumental in preparing the youth of Madhya Pradesh for a technology-driven future.
Key Contributions and National Impact
Shri Manu Srivastava is the chief architect of some of the most significant energy milestones in India:
- The Rewa Solar Revolution: He spearheaded the 750 MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Project, which became an “inflection point” in Indian solar history. It was the first project to break the grid-parity barrier, providing solar power at rates lower than coal-based electricity. Notably, it is the only project in India supplying power to an institutional customer across state lines—the Delhi Metro, which meets approximately 60% of its daytime demand from Rewa.
- Global Recognition: The Rewa project received the World Bank Group’s President’s Award for Innovation and Excellence. It has been featured in the Prime Minister’s Book of Innovation and is used as a case study at world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and Singapore Management University.
- Zero-Investment Rooftop Solar: He pioneered an innovative model for rooftop solar projects, achieving the lowest tariffs in the country without requiring any capital investment from the beneficiaries. This model has been successfully implemented across hundreds of government and medical institutions in Madhya Pradesh.
- Gram Urja Swaraj: Under his guidance, the state is leading the “Gram Urja Swaraj” initiative, aiming to make Panchayati Raj institutions self-reliant in energy through renewable sources, a model now being recognized for national replication.
Visionary Outlook
Shri Srivastava’s vision for Madhya Pradesh is one of “Energy Sovereignty” combined with environmental stewardship. He is a proponent of “OpEx-based” models that lower the barrier to green energy adoption. His leadership emphasizes transparency, rigorous project structuring, and risk-sharing mechanisms that protect both the investor and the public interest. Currently, as he oversees the Sports and Youth Welfare department alongside Renewable Energy, he is bringing a similar spirit of innovation to grassroots sports development, ensuring that Madhya Pradesh excels in both physical and environmental health. His recent appointment as the President of the IAS Association further highlights his role as a mentor and leader who values integrity and professional growth.
Why is he one of the ‘Stars of MP’?
Shri Manu Srivastava’s journey is a stellar example of how technical expertise, when coupled with administrative vision, can change the trajectory of a state. He is a “Star of MP” because he didn’t just manage the status quo; he created a new paradigm for what a state-led organization can achieve. His work has not only put Madhya Pradesh on the global renewable energy map but has also saved hundreds of crores for the public exchequer. As an officer who blends the discipline of an engineer with the compassion of a public servant, he remains a true visionary whose legacy is a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Madhya Pradesh.
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