KK Pathak IAS also known as Keshav Kumar Pathak, is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1990 batch from the Bihar cadre. Renowned for his strict, reformist approach and decisive governance style, Pathak has made significant contributions to Bihar’s administration, particularly in education and prohibition. His career, spanning over three decades, is marked by impactful reforms, controversies, and a reputation for fearlessness.
Profile
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keshav Kumar Pathak |
| Date of Birth | January 15, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Home State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Education | B.A. and M.Phil in Economics from the University of Allahabad |
| Father | Major G.S. Pathak (Former Principal Secretary, Minor Water Resources Department, Bihar) |
| Spouse | Padma Pathak |
| IAS Batch & Cadre | 1990 Batch, Bihar Cadre |
| Date of Joining IAS | August 20, 1990 |
| Date of Retirement | January 31, 2028 |
| Current Position | Additional Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India (as of April 2025) |
| Previous Key Roles | – Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department, Bihar – Principal Secretary, Excise & Prohibition Department, Bihar – Managing Director, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) |
| Notable Achievements | – Enforced Bihar’s liquor prohibition law in 2016 – Implemented online attendance systems in schools – Conducted surprise inspections to improve school discipline |
| Controversies | – Viral video in February 2023 showing him reprimanding a deputy collector and BASA officials – Clashes with political figures over administrative decisions |
Early Life and Education
KK Pathak was born on January 15, 1968, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India, making him 57 years old as of 2025. Hailing from a family with a legacy in public service, Pathak was influenced by his father, Major G.S. Pathak, who served as the Principal Secretary in Bihar’s Minor Water Resources Department. His upbringing in a bureaucratic environment shaped his disciplined and ambitious outlook.
Pathak excelled academically from a young age. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, followed by an M.Phil in Economics, likely from the Delhi School of Economics. His academic foundation in economics equipped him with analytical skills crucial for his administrative roles. Driven by a childhood dream to become an IAS officer, Pathak cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1990 with an All India Rank (AIR) of 40, securing the Bihar cadre.
KK Pathak IAS Career
KK Pathak’s IAS career began on August 20, 1990, with his first posting as a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Katihar, Bihar, in 1992. Over the years, he held various significant positions, showcasing his administrative acumen and commitment to public service. Below is an overview of his career trajectory:
Early Postings (1990s)
SDO, Katihar (1992–1994): Pathak’s initial role involved managing local governance and addressing socio-economic challenges.
District Magistrate (DM) Roles: By 1996, he served as DM in districts like Begusarai, Sheikhpura, and Barh. His first DM posting in Giridih (1990) was notable for an incident where he allegedly assaulted a journalist for filing an inaccurate report, marking the beginning of his controversial image.
Under Secretary, Rural Development Department (1994): This role provided early exposure to state-level governance.
Key Administrative Roles (2000s–2010s)
DM, Gopalganj (2005): Pathak gained attention for having a hospital sweeper inaugurate a building funded by MPLAD funds, bypassing VIP protocol. This act, while highlighting his disdain for bureaucratic delays, angered MP Sadhu Yadav.
Managing Director, Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA, 2005): Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government, Pathak drove industrial initiatives.
Central Deputation, Delhi (2010–2015): Pathak served in Delhi, including as Managing Director of the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in 2019.
Principal Secretary, Excise and Prohibition Department (2015–2016): Tasked by Nitish Kumar to draft Bihar’s Prohibition Act, Pathak played a pivotal role in implementing the state’s stringent alcohol ban, earning both praise and criticism for its draconian measures.
Education Department Reforms (2023–2024)
In June 2023, Pathak was appointed Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Bihar’s Education Department. His tenure was transformative but controversial:
School Reforms: Pathak introduced measures to improve attendance, teaching quality, and learning outcomes. He extended school hours (9 AM to 5 PM), reduced festive holidays to comply with the Right to Education Act, and banned coaching classes during school hours.
Command-and-Control Centre: Established in September 2023, this hub monitored schools, logged complaints, and ensured accountability through surprise inspections.
Teacher Accountability: He suspended teachers, withheld salaries for absenteeism, and struck absent students off rolls, sparking backlash from teachers’ unions and political leaders.
Mission Daksh: This initiative provided special classes for struggling students, and Pathak facilitated coaching for competitive exams in government schools.
His reforms led to visible improvements, such as reduced absenteeism and better mid-day meal quality, but drew criticism for being authoritarian. Tensions with Education Minister Chandra Shekhar and the Raj Bhavan culminated in Pathak’s resignation on January 9, 2024, reportedly under political pressure, though some sources suggest it was a temporary leave.
Recent Roles (2024–2025)
Chairman, Revenue Department, Patna (August 2024): Pathak was transferred to this role after his stint in education.
Special Secretary, Union Cabinet Secretariat (April 2025): Post-retirement from Bihar service, Pathak took up this role, as reported on X, marking a new chapter in his career.
Controversies
Pathak’s career is a blend of efficiency and controversy:
2005 Gopalganj Incident: His decision to have a sweeper inaugurate a hospital building caused a political uproar.
2016 Prohibition Backlash: The opposition labeled the Prohibition Act draconian, leading to his transfer.
2018 Patna High Court Fine: Pathak was fined ₹1.75 lakh for arbitrary actions against SBI branch managers over delayed stamp duty deposits.
2019 Assault Allegation: Kumud Raj Singh accused Pathak of threatening and physically assaulting him while Pathak was Principal Secretary of the Minor Irrigation Department.
2023 Viral Video: A video of Pathak abusing BASA members and a deputy collector over traffic rule violations went viral, prompting calls for his dismissal.
Education Reforms (2023): His stringent measures, including salary cuts and holiday reductions, were criticized as anti-teacher and anti-Hindu by BJP leaders.
KK Pathak IAS Wife
KK Pathak is married to Padma Pathak, though details about her profession or their marriage are private. The couple has two children:
Shashank Pathak: An IAS officer of the 2017 batch, currently serving as Sub-Divisional Officer in Gopalganj, Bihar.
Shreya Pathak: A lawyer who graduated from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
Pathak is proficient in Hindi, English, and Urdu and enjoys reading and music. He is active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where he shares his views on governance and public issues.
KK Pathak IAS Net Worth
His net worth is undisclosed.
KK Pathak IAS Car
There is no verified information confirming KK Pathak’s ownership of a personal car. The News18 report explicitly states he does not own a vehicle, which may reflect his reliance on government-provided transport typical for senior IAS officers.
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FAQs
Who is KK Pathak?
KK Pathak, or Keshav Kumar Pathak, is a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, known for his strict governance and reforms in education and prohibition. He currently serves as Special Secretary in the Union Cabinet Secretariat.
What is KK Pathak’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor’s degree and an M.Phil in Economics, likely from the Delhi School of Economics, and cleared the UPSC exam with an AIR of 40.
Who is KK Pathak’s wife?
KK Pathak is married to Padma Pathak, but details about her are not publicly available.
What controversies is KK Pathak associated with?
Pathak has faced controversies for alleged assaults, verbal abuse (e.g., 2023 viral video), a 2018 court fine, and criticism for authoritarian education reforms.
