Outgoing divisional commissioner’s fruitful association with Kashi

Varanasi: The outgoing divisional commissioner of Varanasi, Kaushal Raj Sharma, made a significant difference in the distict, undertaking significant projects during his five and a half years in Varanasi. He took charge as district magistrate of Varanasi on Nov 2, 2019. He has now been appointed secretary to the chief minister.
Under direct supervision of the Prime Minister and chief minister's offices, Sharma played a major role in maintaining law and order and in completing development projects in Varanasi. During his tenure, 320 projects worth Rs 27,250 crore were inaugurated, and work is in progress on 101 projects worth Rs 15,340 crore. He received the Best Civil Servant Award from the Prime Minister, along with several other honours, including Best Electoral Roll award.
His administrative skills were evident during the Covid pandemic, where his model for preventing black marketing of essential commodities during lockdown was noteworthy. During his tenure in Varanasi, there were 25 visits of the Prime Minister, four of President, three of Vice President, over 25 of Governor and 98 of chief minister.
He provided hospitality to foreign diplomats during events like SEO and G20. The move of promoting him from DM to commissioner by the PMO was fruitful. As DM, he oversaw MLC, Panchayat, and Assembly elections in 2022, and as commissioner, he led the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
He arranged high-level facilities for devotees at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which were appreciated during the Mahakumbh. He ensured peaceful execution of court commission and ASI survey actions at the Gyanvapi complex and initiated worship in the basement following court orders. He resolved cases at record speed in the commissioner's court.