Partha Sarthi Sensharma, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1994 batch. He was born in Malda, West Bengal on June 30, 1970. He began his journey in public service immediately after completing his engineering degree, with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) in Mechanical Engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technical University). His commitment to public welfare and his focus on efficiency have marked his tenure in various key roles across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
After his induction into the Indian bureaucracy on September 4, 1994, Sensharma’s initial training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie (1994-1995) provided a solid foundation for his subsequent roles in public administration. Following his training, he was appointed as Assistant Magistrate and Assistant Collector in Prayagraj (June 1995 – June 1996), and then subsequently underwent professional training in Dehradun.
Early in his career, Sensharma served as Joint Magistrate in Varanasi (1996-1997) and Almora (1997-1998), and as Chief Development Officer in Prayagraj (1998-2000). These roles provided him with firsthand experience in grassroots administration, allowing him to address the immediate concerns of citizens and develop a deep understanding of district-level governance.
Throughout his career, Sensharma has held several key positions across various districts, including as District Magistrate and Collector in Bhadohi, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, and Maharajganj. These appointments added further to his experience in district administration, governance, and development planning.
In 2001, Sensharma transitioned to roles that underscored his proficiency within the state’s administrative framework. As Additional Commissioner for Rural Development in Lucknow and later as Special Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh in the Social Justice and the Gopan departments, he yet again proved that he is ready for any responsibility. His tenure as Additional Director in the Information Department and Managing Director of Kesco in Kanpur (2003-2004) further illustrated his focus on effective policy implementation.
A significant aspect of Sensharma’s career was his leadership in the education sector. As Project Director for “Education for All” and as the Director of the “Mid-Day Meal Program,” he played a crucial role in achieving the government’s objective to improve upon and strengthen educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. His oversight of these programs was marked by a results-driven approach and a strong emphasis on accountability.
Sensharma’s career trajectory continued with high-profile appointments, including Managing Director of the Madhyanchal Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd. and Consolidation Commissioner for Uttar Pradesh. His handling of responsibilities in the power and rural development sectors reinforced his reputation for diligence and dedication.
In 2018, Sensharma was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Greater Noida, where he was instrumental in the urban development of one of the National Capital Region’s fastest-growing areas. His subsequent role as Joint Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers, Government of India, allowed him to contribute to national policymaking in the agriculture sector.
Since August 2022, Sensharma has served as the Principal Secretary of Medical, Health & Family Welfare in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. His work in this role, coupled with his responsibilities in the Medical Education Department, has been crucial in advancing healthcare reforms, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. His focus on improving medical infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to health services underscores his longstanding commitment to public welfare.
Partha Sarthi Sensharma’s career is a case study for young officers on how to make a positive contribution to whatever role you are playing in the vast maze of public service. His ability to navigate diverse challenges and manage complex administrative tasks has earned him the reputation of a principled officer who continues to serve with the utmost commitment, positively impacting the lives of those he serves.
Apart from his professional achievements, Partha Sarthi Sensharma is also a distinguished author. For years, he has been contributing individual travel pieces to many publications including the Times of India, Hindustan Times and The Pioneer among others. His first full length Travelogue book, ‘A passage across Europe’ came out in 2011 and has since been translated into Hindi as ‘Musafir Hun Yaaro.’
Some of his other books like ‘Love: Side by Side,’ ‘Love in Lucknow,’ ‘Andamanush Nicobarese : An Island Travenovel,’ ‘Every Mile a Memory,’ and ‘Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke’ are further testimony to the immense love he has for both travelling and writing. According to him, there’s nothing more magical than being able to share his joy of travelling with his readers and help them visualise the experiences he has had.
Now, who wouldn’t agree with such a beautiful thought?
