Raghunandan A N Appointed as Special Deputy Commissioner

Raghunandan A N Appointed as Special Deputy Commissioner – Land Acquisition, KIADB. In a key administrative move in Karnataka, Shri Raghunandan A N, KAS (Senior Scale), who was awaiting posting, has now been appointed as the Special Deputy Commissioner – Land Acquisition at the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), Bengaluru. This appointment comes into immediate effect and relieves Shri Dayanand Bhandari from the position. The move is part of the Karnataka government’s efforts to streamline industrial land acquisition and boost infrastructure-led development.

Raghunandan A N Appointed as Special Deputy Commissioner

Who is Raghunandan A N?

• A senior officer of the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS).

• Holds Senior Scale rank, which indicates significant administrative experience.

• Known for his efficient, prompt, and citizen-centric approach.

• Has previously served in multiple departments across Karnataka, showcasing his versatility and command over governance matters.

His new role at KIADB positions him at the core of industrial infrastructure development in Karnataka.

About KIADB – Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board

• Established in 1966, KIADB is a statutory body under the Government of Karnataka.

• Its main role is to facilitate industrial development in the state.

• Functions on a “No Profit – No Loss” model, ensuring affordable land for industries.

• It is responsible for:

  • Land acquisition for industries.

  • Formation of industrial areas.

  • Provision of basic infrastructure like roads, power, and water supply.

  • Support to MSMEs, large-scale industries, and technology parks.

Notable Achievements:

• First government body in Karnataka to get ISO 9001 certification.

• Has developed over 160+ industrial areas across Karnataka.

• Played a crucial role in making Karnataka a leading investment destination.

New Role: Special Deputy Commissioner – Land Acquisition

As the Special Deputy Commissioner – Land Acquisition, Raghunandan A N will now lead one of the most critical verticals in KIADB.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the land acquisition process for industrial projects.

• Ensuring fair compensation and timely rehabilitation of landowners.

• Coordinating with district officials, legal teams, and project developers.

• Addressing public grievances related to acquisition.

• Ensuring compliance with legal and environmental norms.

This role is not just administrative; it requires strategic decision-making and stakeholder management.

Importance of Land Acquisition in Karnataka’s Industrial Growth

1. Industrial Projects Need Land

• Every factory, warehouse, or tech park starts with land.

• Land acquisition is the first and most sensitive step in industrial development.

• Without proper planning and execution, projects get delayed or scrapped.

2. Karnataka’s Ambitious Industrial Goals

• The state is targeting Rs. 5 lakh crore in investments by 2028.

• Upcoming industrial corridors include:

  • Bengaluru–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC)

  • Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)

  • Tumakuru Machine Tool Park

  • Textile, Food Processing, and EV Clusters

These projects require smooth and transparent land acquisition, making Raghunandan’s role even more crucial.

Why This Appointment is Significant

1. Speed and Transparency in Land Deals

• Land acquisition often leads to delays due to compensation disputes.

• Raghunandan A N is expected to ensure timely disbursement and grievance redressal.

• His background in public administration can bring transparency and efficiency to the process.

2. Boost to Investor Confidence

• Karnataka ranks high in the Ease of Doing Business.

• Smooth land acquisition boosts investor trust and project speed.

• Under his leadership, the KIADB can expect faster project clearances.

3. Relief to Landowners

• Landowners deserve fair and prompt treatment.

• Raghunandan’s appointment assures a citizen-focused approach, especially for farmers and smallholders impacted by acquisitions.

Immediate Priorities for Raghunandan A N

1. Resolving Pending Land Acquisition Cases

• Address delays in compensation.

• Clear legal disputes and process bottlenecks.

• Prioritize industrial clusters facing land-related hurdles.

2. Enhancing Coordination with District Officials

• Streamline communication between KIADB and Deputy Commissioners.

• Leverage local intelligence for smooth land processes.

3. Use of Technology

• Promote GIS-based land mapping.

• Implement digital platforms for tracking compensation and acquisition status.

• Reduce paperwork and middlemen involvement.

Who He Replaces: Shri Dayanand Bhandari

• Shri Dayanand Bhandari was previously holding the charge.

• His term saw several active acquisitions for industrial parks and MSME zones.

• The baton now passes to Raghunandan A N, who is expected to build upon the existing momentum.

Stakeholder Reactions

1. Industry Associations

• Welcomed the appointment of an experienced officer.

• Looking forward to speedy approvals and clarity in land dealings.

2. Local Communities

• Hopes are high for fair treatment and timely compensation.

• Expectations of reduced conflict and increased communication.

3. Government Circles

• The move is seen as a strategic step to support Karnataka’s industrial vision.

• Officers like Raghunandan bring fresh energy and accountability to complex roles.

Future of Industrial Development in Karnataka

With strong leadership and improved land management:

• New industrial corridors can progress on time.

• MSMEs and startups will have easier access to land.

• Karnataka can maintain its position as a top investment hub in India.

• Sustainable development will be possible with minimal land-related conflicts.

Conclusion

The appointment of Shri Raghunandan A N as Special Deputy Commissioner – Land Acquisition, KIADB, marks an important move by the Karnataka government to fast-track industrial development.

With a track record of commitment and effectiveness, he is well-positioned to handle this crucial responsibility. His leadership can bring a fresh wave of efficiency, transparency, and trust to the land acquisition process, ensuring Karnataka’s rapid and balanced industrial growth.

This development is not just a bureaucratic change — it’s a signal of Karnataka’s push toward becoming India’s most industrially advanced state.