KKN Gurugram Desk | The Government of Bihar has appointed IAS Kundan Kumar as the new District Magistrate (DM) of Jamui. An experienced and innovative administrator, he has previously served in districts like Banka, West Champaran, and Purnia, where he introduced transformative projects in agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship—efforts that earned him the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award.

Why Kundan Kumar’s Appointment Matters

• Track record of innovation: Pioneered Agri-Asmita (dragon fruit, sweet corn) in Banka

• Education upliftment: Launched Live Class scheme and ‘Super-50’ coaching in Purnia

• National recognition: Honored by PM Narendra Modi for excellence in local governance

• Versatile background: Started as IPS, then IAS post-2012, experience at Reliance and IIT

 From Farm to Future: Agri-Asmita in Banka

As DM of Banka, Mr. Kumar launched Project Agri-Asmita, encouraging farmers to diversify their crops. Under his guidance:

• Dragon fruit, baby corn, sweet corn, chia, and tea were introduced

• Farmers transitioned to a 80:20 commercial to traditional cropping ratio

• The initiative increased farmer incomes by 40%+ and opened market linkages with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

His project earned acclaim across Bihar for reducing farm poverty and modernising agriculture.

 Revolutionizing Education in Purnia: Live Classes and Super-50

In Purnia district, Mr. Kumar launched two major educational programs:

1. Purnia Live Class (Nov 2023)

• Offered free digital classroom sessions for government school students

• Digital tools improved learning outcomes by 25% in one semester

2. Super-50 (May 31, 2025)

• IIT/IAS-style coaching initiative for top 50 government-school students

• Engaged educators from IIT, IIM, and civil services

• Aims to prepare bright minds from resource-poor backgrounds for professional careers

These initiatives earned widespread praise from parents and officials.

 Awards & Recognition: Bringing National Focus to District Governance

Mr. Kumar, a 2012 IAS officer, started as Uttarakhand IPS from 2009–2011 after engineering and corporate roles at Reliance in Mumbai. Highlights of his career include:

• PM’s Award on Civil Services Day 2024 for public administration

• Turning West Champaran into an Innovation District via Start-Up Zone in Chanpatia

• Twice awarded by the Government of Bihar for impactful district administration

 Appointment as DM, Jamui: What’s Ahead

As the new DM of Jamui district, known for its agriculture, forests, and connectivity challenges, Mr. Kumar is expected to:

• Expand Agri-Asmita to Jamui’s rural landscape

• Launch digital education and vocational skilling programs

• Promote entrepreneurship through local startups and skill hubs

• Improve governance and agricultural value chains

Jamui locals and business owners have expressed optimism, welcoming the new DM at the office on Sunday.

 Why This Story Matters

This article highlights three key aspects:

1. Transformative administration—moving IaS away from office-centric rule to ground innovation

2. Holistic development—Agriculture, Education, Tech transfer aligned under one visionary

3. Public example—Shows value of capable IAS officers for rural district governance

With social outreach, infrastructure innovation, and digital education as cornerstones, IAS Kundan Kumar’s appointment in Jamui sets a precedent for modern district governance. His career trajectory positions him as one of the most visionary IAS officers in Bihar.