Who Is Bihar Cadre IAS Officer Dr. Nilesh Ramchandra Devre? Controversies Explained

Patna, Bihar: Dr. Nilesh Ramchandra Devre, a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, has recently been in the spotlight due to a high-profile charter plane controversy and questions raised in the state assembly. Currently, he serves as the Secretary of Bihar’s Tourism Department and holds additional charges as Special Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department and Managing Director of the Bihar Medical Services & Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL).

Originally from Nashik, Maharashtra, Devre hails from a middle-class family; his father is a retired government official and his mother a homemaker. He completed his MBBS in Navi Mumbai before opting for a career in administrative services. Over the years, he has held key positions across Bihar, including District Magistrate of Madhubani, Saran (Chhapra), Banka, and West Champaran (Bettiah). He also served as Private Secretary to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in September 2022.

The recent charter plane controversy arose when RJD MLA Rahul Kumar alleged in the Bihar Assembly that Devre traveled from Delhi to Patna on a private charter plane at taxpayers’ expense, questioning the source of funds and suggesting potential misuse of official position. The incident has stirred political debate and calls for a high-level inquiry.

Despite the controversies, Dr. Devre is recognized for his administrative experience, holding multiple strategic positions and overseeing critical government functions in Bihar.