Anupam Mishra is a 2016-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre. Known for his administrative talent and dedication, he rose to prominence as the Sub-Collector of Kollam district. However, in March 2020, he faced suspension and legal scrutiny for flouting mandatory COVID‑19 quarantine protocols—an incident that garnered national attention. This comprehensive profile explores his journey—from early life to career milestones, and the challenges he encountered along the way.
🏛️ Early Life & Education
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Hometown & Roots
Born in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur (Swaroop Nagar Colony), Anupam hails from a modest family. His foundational years taught him simplicity, discipline, and a service-oriented ethos (besadmin.org, livemint.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com). -
Academic Excellence
A stellar student, he scored 90% in class X before entering IIT Madras for a B.Tech, followed by an M.Tech from Anna University—underscoring both his technical skills and academic drive . -
Competitive Spirit
After serving in CISF as Deputy SP, Anupam navigated the IRTS exam (rank 575) and ultimately secured rank 81 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Exam in May 2016, earning selection into the IAS (besadmin.org).
🗺️ IAS Career Path
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Kerala Cadre – 2016–Early 2020
After training, Anupam was posted as Sub‑Collector in Kollam, a key administrative post. -
Promotion
He progressed to roles such as District Development Commissioner in Kozhikode and later took on a Joint Secretary role in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India as of early 2025 (youtube.com).
🚨 The 2020 Quarantine Controversy
What Happened?
In March 2020, after returning from Singapore and Malaysia (post-honeymoon), Anupam was instructed to observe 14-day home quarantine in Kollam. Contrary to guidelines, he:
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Left his official residence in Kerala.
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Traveled—initially thought to Bengaluru, but later located in his hometown, Sultanpur/Sultanpur Kanpur area (theprint.in).
Legal Consequences
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Kerala Police filed an FIR under IPC Sections 188, 269, 270, and 271 for disobedience and endangering public health (livemint.com).
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A departmental probe led to his immediate suspension by Kerala’s government (livemint.com).
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He was traced and quarantined by UP authorities in Sultanpur; swab tests were conducted (hindustantimes.com).
His Explanation & Outcome
Anupam claimed he misunderstood the directive—thinking “home quarantine” meant returning to his ancestral home. Kerala officials disagreed vehemently .
Despite public backlash on social media questioning his judgment, he was reinstated by July 2020 following departmental review—receiving no further punishment beyond the suspension .
📰 Recent Roles & Responsibilities (2021–2025)
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District Roles: Played major roles in Kerala, including Kozhikode.
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Centre Posting: As of mid‑2025, assigned as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, handling policy, consumer rights, and governance .
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No fresh controversies have surfaced post‑2020; he has maintained a low profile since.
✅ Key Accomplishments
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UPSC Rank 81 (2016 batch)—signifying elite standings in India’s civil services.
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Dual Degrees from top-tier IIT Madras and Anna University—rare for IAS officers.
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Rapid Cadre Rise: Positions like Sub‑Collector, District Development Commissioner, and now central leadership.
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Crisis Management: Dealt with critical administrative challenges during the COVID period.
📌 The Quarantine Incident: An Analysis
| Aspect | Insights |
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| Protocol Breach | Traveling during home isolation risks public health, especially in pandemic-era India. |
| Judicial Action | FIR under relevant IPC sections emphasized its legal gravity. |
| Outcome | Demonstrates the IAS system's capacity for accountability and leniency—capturing the balance between civil service autonomy and public responsibility. |
Anupam’s case joins others in 2020 whom states reinstated post-suspension once departmental inquiries concluded .
❓ Interesting Facts & FAQs
🧠 Top Interesting Facts
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Diverse Academic Background: From engineering and tech (IIT, Anna Univ) to elite civil services.
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UP & Kerala Tie-up: Unique cultural insight and experience from two distinct parts of India.
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Young but Decorated: Rapid ascent in administrative roles in under 10 years.
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Pandemic Criticality: His case remains a reference in IAS/admin training on public accountability.
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Central Government Role: Now shaping national-level consumer governance.
🕵️ FAQs
1. Who is Anupam Mishra?
An IAS officer from the 2016 Kerala cadre, currently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
2. What was his UPSC rank?
He scored an impressive 81st rank in the 2016 exam.
3. Why was he suspended in 2020?
He violated mandatory home quarantine in Kerala by traveling to Sultanpur after returning from abroad (nationalheraldindia.com, besadmin.org).
4. Was any legal action taken?
Yes, Kerala Police filed an FIR under Sections 188, 269, 270, and 271 of the IPC .
5. Did he get reinstated?
Yes, by July 2020. He received an oral warning and continued serving as a Sub‑Collector, eventually rising in rank (theprint.in).
6. What is his current role?
As of mid‑2025, he is Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, handling national-level consumer policy and rights.
7. Any controversies since?
No major controversies since the quarantine incident. He’s focused on his administrative duties.
8. What were his academics?
B.Tech from IIT Madras (1992), M.Tech from Anna University (1995), followed by his UPSC success .
🔚 Conclusion
Anupam Mishra stands as a symbol of India's modern IAS cadre—steeped in technical rigour, administrative competence, and young leadership. His early controversy is a noteworthy case study in bureaucratic ethics and accountability. Now, he's positioned on a national stage in consumer affairs. For those tracking IAS careers, governance ethics, or public administration, his journey offers valuable lessons.
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