Shri Vivek K.V. is a 2020-batch Madhya Pradesh cadre Indian Administrative Service officer whose career combines a strong academic foundation with experience in tribal, rural and urban development. Born on August 14, 1988, and hailing from Kerala, he joined the IAS on October 12, 2020. After serving as CEO, Zila Panchayat, Sagar, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer, Jabalpur Development Authority (JDA) in August 2026.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Coming from Kerala, Shri Vivek completed his B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from NIT Tiruchirappalli and later pursued postgraduate management education at IIM Calcutta. His civil-services journey reflects persistence: after securing AIR 667 in CSE 2018, he appeared again and improved to AIR 301 in CSE 2019, ultimately entering the IAS.
Professional Genesis and Ascendancy
Shri Vivek began his Madhya Pradesh career as Assistant Collector, Bhind, before serving as SDO (Revenue), Pushprajgarh in Anuppur district and later SDO (Revenue), Baihar in Balaghat district. In September 2024, he was appointed CEO, Zila Panchayat, Sagar, before moving to Jabalpur Development Authority in August 2026.
Administrative Tenure: Rural Development and Accountability
Shri Vivek’s tenure in Sagar was marked by attention to water conservation, village-level implementation and administrative accountability. His approach combined monitoring of development targets with clear responsibility for timely execution at the Panchayat level.
Water Conservation and Rural Assets
Under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, Sagar focused on farm ponds, recharge structures and rejuvenation of local water assets. During a June 2026 review, Shri Vivek reported that the district had completed around 90 percent of works against the prescribed target, with remaining gaps being actively addressed.
Panchayat Accountability
His tenure also placed emphasis on responsibility at the Gram Panchayat level. In 2025, action was taken against Panchayat secretaries where progress on farm ponds, well recharge and other water-conservation works was found to be negligible or where development records were not properly maintained.
Transition to Urban Development
In August 2026, Shri Vivek took charge as CEO, Jabalpur Development Authority, moving from rural administration to planned urban growth. The role places him within an institution responsible for residential and commercial development, infrastructure and the organised expansion of Jabalpur. The JDA’s official portal currently identifies him as its CEO.
Other Notable Achievements
- Civil-Service Mentorship: During his UPSC journey, Shri Vivek mentored aspirants at the Kerala State Civil Service Academy.
- Railway-Service Experience: After CSE 2018, he joined a railway service before appearing again and improving his UPSC rank.
- Photography and Documentation: A keen photographer, he has spoken about using visual documentation during field visits to complement conventional administrative records.
A Visionary Outlook
Shri Vivek K.V.’s administrative journey reflects the value of combining technical education, management training and field experience. His transition from tribal and rural administration to urban development gives him a broad perspective on how strong institutions, accountable implementation and thoughtful planning can improve public infrastructure and quality of life.
Why is he one of the ‘Stars of MP’?
Shri Vivek K.V. stands out for combining academic depth with experience across distinctly different development settings. His work in Sagar demonstrated an emphasis on water security and accountable grassroots implementation, while his present role brings that field experience into the challenges of planned urban growth.
This ability to move from tribal and rural governance to city development, supported by a strong technical and managerial foundation, gives Shri Vivek K.V. a distinctive place among the ‘Stars of MP’.
About the Author
