Who is Amit Kataria? India's richest IAS officer who took Rs 1 as salary

Early Life and Education

Amit Kataria was born on July 2, 1974, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier's Senior Secondary School and pursued a Bachelor's degree in Arts from the University of Rajasthan. Kataria then went on to earn a Master's degree in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

IAS Career

Kataria joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2001 and was allotted to the Bihar cadre. He has held various positions in the Bihar government, including District Magistrate of Patna, Principal Secretary of the Education Department, and Commissioner of the Patna Municipal Corporation.

Salary Controversy

In 2016, Kataria drew national attention when he announced that he would be taking a salary of just Rs 1 per month. He argued that his decision was a protest against the "rampant corruption and inequality" in India. Kataria's decision was met with mixed reactions, with some praising him for his idealism and others criticizing him for grandstanding.

Wealth and Assets

Despite taking a nominal salary, Kataria is considered one of India's wealthiest IAS officers. His wealth is estimated to be in the millions of dollars, and he owns several properties in India and abroad. Kataria has faced allegations of corruption and misuse of power, but no charges have ever been proven against him.

Controversies

Kataria has been a controversial figure throughout his career. He has been accused of being arrogant, authoritarian, and inaccessible to the public. In 2018, he was embroiled in a scandal involving the alleged illegal sale of government land. Despite the controversies, Kataria remains a popular figure among some sections of the Indian public.

Legacy

Amit Kataria is a complex and enigmatic figure. He is a brilliant administrator with a proven track record of success. However, he has also been dogged by allegations of corruption and misconduct. Whether he will be remembered as a hero or a villain remains to be seen.