Leaders Speak

Sanjay Gupta: The Last 1988-Batch IAS Officer Serving as Chief Secretary

Anuj Gaur — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:11:09 +0000

Sanjay Gupta stands out as the only and final Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1988 batch currently serving as a Chief Secretary in the country. A senior officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Gupta is at the helm of the administration in Himachal Pradesh, bringing to the role more than three decades of wide-ranging administrative experience.

Gupta assumed charge as Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh on October 1, 2025, following the retirement of Prabodh Saxena. Alongside this responsibility, he also holds additional charge as Additional Chief Secretary (Town & Country Planning and Housing). He is due to retire from service in May 2026, marking the end of an era for the 1988 IAS batch.

Over a career spanning more than 37 years , Gupta has served across almost every major department of the state government. His previous assignments include key roles as Principal Secretary in departments such as Education, Technical Education, Transport, and Fisheries. He has also held important leadership positions, including Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board.

In the infrastructure sector, Gupta served as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation, reflecting his strong grounding in technical and project-oriented governance. His field experience includes stints as Divisional Commissioner of Shimla and Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul & Spiti, giving him firsthand exposure to both urban and remote hill administration.

Born on June 5, 1966, in Haryana, Gupta is a Civil Engineering graduate with a Diploma in Management. Within bureaucratic circles, he is known for his meticulous approach, technical depth, and a leadership style often described as one of “quiet efficiency.”

As the senior-most officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Sanjay Gupta’s tenure as Chief Secretary represents both continuity and closure—bringing seasoned stewardship to the state administration while drawing the curtain on the long journey of the 1988 IAS batch at the very top.

The Class of 1991: Another Batch that did Indian Bureaucracy Proud

Anuj Gaur — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 03:58:46 +0000

More than three decades after they entered public service, officers from the 1991 batch are today chief secretaries in multiple states. Each one of them backed by their extensive on-ground work and significant experience in crises managed, reforms delivered, and institutions strengthened. These are model officers who would be the source of inspiration to the younger generation of officers for years to come!

The IAS cohort of 1991.

These few remarkable officers from the Class of 1991 are now serving as chief secretaries in various states, bringing along a wealth of experience, overcoming challenges, implementing reforms, and fortifying institutions.

Currently, the officers of the 1991 IAS batch are at the pinnacle of state governance in India, influencing administrative practices in many states that have the potential to become India’s next growth engines.

From the strategic frontiers of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to the coastlines of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, from the reformative journey in Bihar to the intricate political landscape of West Bengal, this group is not only managing public service departments but has demonstrated what leadership is all about by managing multiple crisis situations over the years in their respective states.

What really connects them is not merely their rank, or even their common batch, but their dedication to their responsibilities, maintaining the dignity of their office and their extensive on-ground administrative experience.

These officers have:

Started their careers as Sub-Collectors and District Magistrates, acquiring grassroots governance knowledge
Overseen elections, responded to disasters, maintained law and order, and ensured public service delivery
Managed areas such as finance, infrastructure, power, education, health, and social welfare
Worked in both state and central roles, merging policy vision with practical execution

Each member brings unique strengths:

Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel (Manipur) — He was earlier the Chief Secretary of Goa. His transfer to Manipur through inter-cadre deputation reflects both administrative flexibility and the Centre’s confidence in his leadership.
Dr. Anu Garg (Odisha) — her exemplary professional integrity, work ethic and competence helped her break the proverbial glass ceiling to become the first woman chief secretary in the state ever.
G. Sai Prasad (Andhra Pradesh) — The designated Chief Secretary has handled some of the state’s most complex portfolios and built a reputation with his professionalism, integrity and an ability to deliver in the most adverse situations.
Manish Kumar Gupta (Arunachal Pradesh) — expertise in technical matters, urban governance, and strategic coordination
Pratyaya Amrit (Bihar) — focus on building institutions, reviving infrastructure, and demonstrating ethical leadership
Sentiyanger Imchen (Nagaland) — strong grassroots connections and comprehensive administrative expertise
Manoj Pant (West Bengal) — deep understanding of policies, international exposure, and systemic thinking
K. Ramakrishna Rao (Telangana) — commitment to financial prudence and governance driven by reforms
N. Muruganandam (Tamil Nadu) — effective in executing welfare programs and facilitating industrial growth
Dr. A. Jayathilak (Kerala) — a blend of academic prowess with leadership in the social sector

In the face of diverse political, social, and economic challenges, the 1991 batch demonstrates that experience is invaluable, continuity in institutions is essential, and that often, understated leadership can yield the most significant results.

As India confronts complex governance hurdles, these officers remind us that enduring change takes years at times even decades of dedicated public service.

IAS Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel — Chief Secretary of Manipur

Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel is a senior 1991-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Manipur. He assumed charge in July 2025, following the appointment by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, at a time when the state’s administration required steadiness and clear direction.

He succeeded Prashant Kumar Singh and formally took over at the Old Secretariat in Imphal. His tenure is expected to continue until August 31, 2026, in line with his superannuation. Alongside his primary role, Goel also holds additional responsibilities as Chief Vigilance Commissioner of Manipur and Principal Resident Commissioner of Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi.

A career civil servant with wide-ranging experience, Goel has served across Union Territories and states in diverse and demanding roles. Before his move to Manipur, he was Chief Secretary of Goa, and immediately prior to that, Secretary to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). His transfer to Manipur through inter-cadre deputation reflects both administrative flexibility and the Centre’s confidence in his leadership.

Over the years, Goel has handled complex portfolios in urban governance, transport, water supply, municipal administration, and the energy and power sector, where he spent nearly a decade. His stints as CEO of the Delhi Jal Board, Transport Commissioner of Delhi, and Commissioner of South Delhi Municipal Corporation gave him deep exposure to large public systems and service delivery challenges.

Academically, Goel stands out for his strong technical foundation. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi, he also holds an MBA in Finance, an MS from the University of Southern California, and a PhD in renewable energy systems. This blend of engineering, finance, and policy expertise has shaped his methodical approach to administration.

Colleagues describe him as a calm, analytical, and steady administrator, known for balancing technical rigour with practical governance. In Manipur, where governance operates amid social and political sensitivities, his experience and composed leadership are seen as key strengths. As Chief Secretary, Dr. Goel continues to guide the state’s administration with focus on coordination, stability, and long-term institutional continuity

Dr. Anu Garg, a senior 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, has scripted history with her appointment as the first woman Chief Secretary of Odisha, marking a decisive moment in the state’s administrative evolution. Her elevation, notified in December 2025, comes as incumbent Manoj Ahuja demits office on December 31, making Garg the 47th Chief Secretary and breaking a glass ceiling that stood for decades in the state bureaucracy.

With more than three decades in public service, Garg brings to the post a rare mix of field experience, policy depth and institutional leadership. Prior to her appointment, she served as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, the second-highest administrative position in the state, and also held charge of critical portfolios such as Planning & Convergence and Water Resources. Notably, she was the first woman to be appointed Development Commissioner in Odisha in 2023.

Her career trajectory spans district, state and central governments. Beginning at the grassroots as Sub-Collector, she went on to serve as Collector and District Magistrate in districts including Sambalpur and Bargarh, earning a reputation for hands-on administration and community engagement. At the state level, she has steered key departments such as Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Labour & ESI, handling complex welfare and governance challenges with quiet efficiency.

Garg’s central deputation further broadened her administrative canvas. She served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (2012–2015), followed by senior roles in the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, gaining valuable exposure to national policy formulation and execution.

One of her most enduring contributions is Mission Shakti, Odisha’s flagship women’s self-help group movement, which she helped conceptualise and institutionalise, transforming it into a cornerstone of women’s economic empowerment in the state. A public health specialist, she has also contributed to national policy debates as a member of the High-Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage.

Academically accomplished, Garg is an alumna of Lady Shri Ram College, holds a master’s degree from the University of Lucknow, and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University. Colleagues describe her as measured, intellectually rigorous and consensus-oriented—an administrator who leads without theatrics. As she assumes office on January 1, 2026, expectations are that Dr. Anu Garg will provide steady, inclusive leadership at the helm of Odisha’s administration, blending experience with reform-minded continuity.

IAS G. Sai Prasad — Designated Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh

G. Sai Prasad, a senior 1991-batch IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been formally named the next Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh. Government orders issued in late 2025 confirm that he will assume charge on March 1, 2026, following the extended tenure of the present incumbent, K. Vijayanand.

Prasad steps into the role after a long and varied administrative career that spans district administration, core infrastructure sectors and the highest levels of state decision-making. In recent years, he has been serving as Special Chief Secretary in the Water Resources Department and as Ex-officio Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, positions that placed him at the heart of policy planning and execution. His elevation reflects both his seniority in the cadre and the confidence reposed in his ability to steer the administration through its next phase.

Within bureaucratic and political circles, Prasad is regarded as a calm, steady and low-profile administrator. Seen as a frontrunner for the top post well before the formal announcement, he has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity and an ability to work across governments and departments without friction.

An engineer by training, Prasad holds an M.Tech from IIT Delhi and a postgraduate degree in International Development Policy from Duke University, USA. He began his career in district administration, serving as Joint Collector of Warangal and later as Collector of Kurnool and Chittoor, experiences that grounded his understanding of field-level governance.

Over the years, he has handled some of the state’s most complex portfolios. His work in the power sector, including stints as CMD of major distribution companies, and his role as Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, underline his grasp of large systems and reform-driven governance. He has also served on central deputation as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power, adding a national policy perspective to his administrative toolkit.

Prasad’s close association with the Chief Minister’s Office—earlier as Principal Secretary to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu (2014–2019) and now in his current role—has given him a deep understanding of policy priorities and political-administrative coordination at the highest level.

Colleagues describe him as an officer who values clarity, preparation and balance. He is known to listen carefully, weigh options, and push for outcomes without noise. As Andhra Pradesh prepares for a leadership transition in early 2026, his appointment is widely seen as a bet on experience and continuity. His tenure as Chief Secretary is expected to focus on tighter coordination across departments, steady reform implementation and smooth execution of the state’s development agenda.

IAS Manish Kumar Gupta is the current Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh. He is a 1991-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre and took charge in September 2024. He brings long experience from both state and central postings.

Gupta studied civil engineering at IIT Kanpur and later public administration at Harvard. He began his education in a government school and often speaks about his simple beginnings, which connects him easily with students and young officers.

Before coming to Arunachal Pradesh, he worked in Delhi as Principal Secretary (Home) and also served as Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority. There, he handled major urban and housing projects.

As Chief Secretary, he focuses on timely project reviews, filling staff gaps, and close monitoring of border and district issues. He is known for field visits, calm decision-making, and a people-friendly style. His approach reflects quiet leadership and steady governance.

IAS Pratyaya Amrit is the Chief Secretary of Bihar. He is a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre and took charge in September 2025. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a steady and reliable administrator.

He has handled several key departments, including health, energy, roads, and disaster management. One of his major contributions was reviving the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation when it was facing a serious financial crisis. Under his watch, road and bridge projects gained speed across the state.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the health department at a critical time. Testing capacity was expanded, hospitals were strengthened, and the response was closely monitored. His work earned him the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

Pratyaya Amrit is also known for improving power supply, even in remote areas. He is seen as a trusted officer with a strong grip on field realities. Calm in manner and clear in decisions, he believes in teamwork and follow-up.

Often described as people-oriented, he listens carefully and expects results. As Chief Secretary, he now carries the responsibility of guiding Bihar’s administration with experience, balance, and quiet confidence.

IAS Sentiyanger Imchen is the Chief Secretary of Nagaland. He is a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre and took charge on August 1, 2025. He succeeded Dr. J. Alam. With more than three decades in public service, he is known for his steady approach and deep understanding of government work.

Imchen has spent much of his career handling finance and administration. Before becoming Chief Secretary, he served as Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) and Finance Commissioner. He is respected for his clear grip on budgets, planning, and welfare spending.

In his early years, he worked in district administration in Mokokchung and later as Deputy Commissioner of Mon district. These field postings shaped his practical style of governance. At the state level, he headed many key departments, including health, education, IT, law, labour, and public works.

As Finance Commissioner, he played a key role in launching welfare schemes like the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative, Health Insurance Scheme, and Life Insurance Scheme. These programmes helped thousands of families across the state.

Calm, disciplined, and detail-focused, Imchen believes in quiet work rather than loud claims. As Chief Secretary, he continues to guide Nagaland’s administration with experience, balance, and a strong sense of responsibility.

IAS Dr. Manoj Pant is the Chief Secretary of West Bengal. He is a 1991-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre. He took charge on September 1, 2024. His term has been extended till December 31, 2025, a sign of the trust placed in him.

Dr. Pant brings long and varied experience to the role. Before this appointment, he served as Finance Secretary and also headed the Irrigation and Waterways Department. These roles placed him at the centre of key policy and spending decisions of the state.

Early in his career, he worked as District Magistrate in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas. These field postings helped him understand people’s problems at close range. Officers who worked with him recall his habit of listening first and acting after careful thought.

His career also includes important assignments outside the state. He served as Private Secretary to former Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Later, he worked as a Senior Adviser at the World Bank in Washington. There, he handled work linked to South Asian countries. This exposure added a global view to his administrative style.

Dr. Pant is known for his calm nature and steady decision-making. During difficult moments, he prefers balance over haste. As Chief Secretary, he focuses on smooth coordination between departments and steady progress on long-term projects.

Colleagues describe him as practical, fair, and detail-oriented. He values teamwork and expects clarity in work. Whether dealing with finance, land issues, or state-level planning, he keeps the focus on outcomes.

With strong academic grounding and decades of service behind him, Dr. Manoj Pant continues to guide West Bengal’s administration with quiet confidence and a strong sense of duty.

IAS K. Ramakrishna Rao, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Telangana cadre, is among the state’s most seasoned administrators. He took charge as Chief Secretary of Telangana at the end of April 2025, succeeding A. Santhi Kumari, and continues to hold the crucial portfolio of Finance Secretary—a rare dual responsibility that reflects the confidence reposed in him.

Widely regarded as a master of public finance, Rao has an unmatched record of having prepared 14 state budgets over more than a decade. His stewardship of the Finance Department has been central to Telangana’s fiscal management, enabling the state to balance welfare commitments with development spending. He also played a key role in rolling out the Integrated Financial Management & Information System (IFMIS), strengthening transparency and financial control.

Rao’s career spans critical phases of state-building. During the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, he handled sensitive issues such as employee allocation and represented the state’s interests at national forums. His field experience as District Collector of Adilabad and Guntur grounded him in grassroots administration, while later roles—including Director of School Education and Director General of the Centre for Good Governance—sharpened his reform-oriented outlook. He has also served at the Centre as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and worked with multilateral institutions.

An engineer by training, with degrees from IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi, and an MBA in Investments, Rao combines technical rigour with financial insight. As Chief Secretary, he is known for his calm demeanour, data-driven approach, and emphasis on coordination across departments. Colleagues describe him as steady, precise, and focused on execution.

At a time when Telangana is pushing ambitious goals such as the “Telangana Rising 2047” vision, Rao’s experience and measured leadership continue to provide stability and direction to the state’s administration.

IAS Thiru N. Muruganandam, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, assumed charge as the 50th Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu on August 19, 2024, succeeding Shiv Das Meena. His appointment marked the culmination of a long and carefully built administrative career that spans fieldwork, policy formulation, and top-level advisory roles.

Before moving to the Secretariat’s highest office, Muruganandam served as Secretary-I to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, placing him at the core of the state’s decision-making apparatus. He has handled some of Tamil Nadu’s most sensitive and consequential portfolios, notably Industries and Finance, where his work intersected directly with investment promotion, fiscal management, and welfare delivery. As Industries Secretary, he was retained across political regimes, a rare continuity that underscored confidence in his professional judgment. Even during the disruption of the COVID-19 period, he played a key role in sustaining investor interest in the state.

As Finance Secretary, Muruganandam worked closely with the political leadership on budgets and flagship schemes, including major social welfare initiatives. His grounding in district administration—as Collector of Coimbatore, Karur, and Chennai—gave him first-hand exposure to grassroots governance, sharpening his understanding of urban and rural challenges alike.

His career also includes central deputation as Joint Secretary in the Union Ministries of Shipping and Rural Development, and a stint as Principal Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, roles that broadened his administrative perspective beyond the state.

An engineer by training, with a degree in Computer Science from Anna University and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, Muruganandam brings analytical rigour to public administration. Within the bureaucracy, he is widely regarded as a straightforward, no-nonsense officer—measured in manner, clear in thought, and focused on outcomes rather than optics.

As Chief Secretary, he is seen as a coordinator rather than a controller, encouraging inter-departmental alignment and steady execution. His leadership reflects continuity, discipline, and a quiet confidence shaped by decades of service at every level of government.

IAS Dr. A. Jayathilak, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Kerala cadre, currently serves as the 50th Chief Secretary of Kerala, having assumed office at the end of April 2025 following the retirement of Sarada Muraleedharan. He is expected to hold the state’s top bureaucratic position until his superannuation in June 2026.

Often described as a scholar-administrator, Jayathilak’s career stands out for its rare mix of academic depth and hands-on governance. A medical graduate from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, he entered public service with his first posting as Sub-Collector of Mananthavady. Over more than three decades, he has moved steadily through some of the most demanding roles in the Kerala administration.

His tenure as District Collector of Kollam and Kozhikode earned him public recognition for initiatives that went beyond routine administration, including student-focused career guidance programmes and community engagement efforts. These early field experiences shaped an administrative style that values both people and process.

Jayathilak went on to play a significant role in shaping Kerala’s tourism story. As Managing Director of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, he was closely associated with efforts that helped brand “Kerala Tourism” on the global map. His work in this sector led to a central deputation, where he became the first Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, building a new institutional framework from the ground up.

Within the state secretariat, he has handled several critical portfolios. As Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), he was involved in fiscal planning and oversight of major infrastructure and development programmes. He has also chaired national bodies such as the Spices Board and the Rubber Board, reflecting the breadth of his administrative exposure.

Colleagues describe Jayathilak as measured, thoughtful, and inclusive in his approach. Known for clear communication and steady decision-making, he is seen as an administrator who brings teams together and maintains continuity even in complex policy environments.

As Chief Secretary, he brings to the role a blend of intellectual rigour and practical experience, guiding Kerala’s administration through a phase that demands both stability and forward-looking governance.

Shri Anand Bardhan: Journey to the Helm of Uttarakhand’s Bureaucracy

Anuj Gaur — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:10:36 +0000

When Shri Anand Bardhan assumed charge as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand on April 1, 2025, he brought with him more than three decades of wide-ranging administrative experience. A 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, Bardhan’s career is marked by a steady progression through critical roles that span governance, finance, environment, infrastructure, and rural development — both within India and abroad .

Born on June 12, 1967, in Bihar, Shri Anand Bardhan pursued his education at Delhi University, earning a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics and a Master’s degree in Computer Applications with distinction. He later added an international dimension to his education with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from École Nationale d’Administration (ENA), Paris — one of France’s premier institutions for public policy and governance. This became the solid foundation for his deep interest in public services.

Early Career and District Administration

Shri Anand Bardhan began his administrative journey at the grassroots level — an essential training ground for every IAS officer. Starting as Joint Magistrate in Etawah in 1993, he went on to serve in several sub-divisional and district roles across Uttar Pradesh , including Mainpuri, Roorkee, and Banda. His early years were defined by field-level governance, dealing directly with public administration, law and order, and rural development challenges.

He later took charge as District Magistrate and Collector in multiple districts — Rampur, Etawah, Pauri Garhwal, Nainital, and Haridwar. These postings gave him first-hand experience in coordinating development schemes, disaster management, and infrastructure projects. His tenure as District Magistrate, Haridwar (2007–2008) , in particular, marked a phase of strong administrative coordination ahead of the 2010 Maha Kumbh Mela, one of India’s largest religious congregations .

Leadership in Urban and Infrastructure Development

Shri Anand Bardhan’s transition from field administration to higher-level policymaking began with his assignments in the state secretariat, where he took on responsibilities in departments such as Tourism, Industries, and Public Works. As Additional Secretary and later Infrastructure Development Commissioner, he focused on integrating sustainable practices into Uttarakhand’s rapid urbanization framework.

As Vice Chairman of the Haridwar Development Authority, he worked on strengthening urban infrastructure and improving civic governance. His subsequent postings in the Urban Development and Housing Departments reflect his steady involvement in shaping the state’s policy direction in these sectors.

Central Deputation: Experience Beyond Borders

Between 2010 and 2015, Shri Anand Bardhan served on central deputation with the Government of India, marking a pivotal chapter in his career. He was first posted as Director in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, New Delhi, and later as Counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. This international assignment provided him with valuable exposure to India’s external engagement with its diaspora, cross-border labour issues, and the management of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

This phase not only broadened his administrative horizon but also enhanced his diplomatic and intergovernmental coordination skills — attributes that would later serve him well in handling complex state-level responsibilities.

Return to Uttarakhand: Steering Policy and Governance

Upon returning from central deputation, Shri Anand Bardhan re-entered the Uttarakhand bureaucracy in senior leadership roles that spanned multiple departments. As Principal Secretary and later Additional Chief Secretary, he handled portfolios including Home, Finance, Personnel, Vigilance, Environment, and Rural Development.

His tenure as Additional Chief Secretary (Home) was marked by efforts to modernize policing infrastructure and streamline administrative coordination across law enforcement agencies. In Finance, Bardhan played a central role in fiscal planning and expenditure management during a period of evolving economic priorities for the state.

As head of the Environment and Forest Department, he oversaw initiatives related to forest conservation, climate resilience, and pollution control. Under his watch, the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board strengthened its monitoring mechanisms and focused on sustainable industrial compliance.

Shri Anand Bardhan also held charge of Watershed Development and Rural Development, two critical departments in a state where livelihood security and natural resource management are deeply interlinked. His approach emphasized the integration of ecological sustainability with economic empowerment, particularly in rural and hilly regions.

Education, Training, and Administrative Philosophy

Bardhan’s administrative growth has been reinforced by structured professional training. He attended the Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP) Phase IV in 2011 and Phase V in 2023 — programs designed to sharpen leadership skills and strategic governance insight among senior IAS officers. His foreign training in France in 2004 underlined his long-standing interest in comparative models of governance and institutional reform.

Colleagues often describe him as a firm yet pragmatic administrator — one who values institutional processes as much as outcome-oriented performance. His scientific background, combined with training in public administration, lends him an analytical approach to problem-solving, balancing innovation with discipline in execution.

Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand: Continuity and Vision

As the 19th Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Anand Bardhan’s leadership symbolizes both continuity and evolution within the state’s administrative framework. Having served across nearly every major department in the state government, his elevation represents the culmination of a career deeply rooted in Uttarakhand’s governance landscape.

At the helm, he is expected to focus on enhancing administrative efficiency, accelerating infrastructure projects, and deepening fiscal discipline, while maintaining Uttarakhand’s delicate balance between development and environmental preservation. His long engagement with watershed management and forest governance positions him well to guide policy on sustainable growth in an ecologically sensitive Himalayan state.

A Career of Steady Ascent

From his early days as a field officer in Uttar Pradesh to his current role as the state’s top bureaucrat, Anand Bardhan’s career reflects a steady ascent built on administrative acumen, adaptability, and cross-sectoral experience. His journey through multiple portfolios — from finance to foreign affairs, from environment to education — offers a rare example of continuity, depth, and institutional understanding in governance.

As Uttarakhand charts its next phase of development, Bardhan’s leadership at the apex of the bureaucracy brings both experience and balance — qualities indispensable to steering a young, ecologically fragile, and aspirational hill state toward sustainable progress.

The Powerhouse Class of 1989: Six Chief Secretaries Currently Serving

Anuj Gaur — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 08:07:34 +0000

The remarkable IAS batch of 1989 has delivered an extraordinary administrative milestone by producing a total number of 16 Chief Secretaries over the years. A rarest of rare things to happen!

10 of these 16 stalwart officers who held the highest post in state bureaucracies have already moved on after completing their tenure. These officers include Amritlal Meena (Bihar), Shivdas Meena (Tamil Nadu), Dharmendra (Delhi), Santhi Kumari (Telangana), Somesh Kumar (Telangana), Rebecca Suchiang (Meghalaya), TT Toy (Nagaland), Pavan Borthakur (Assam), BP Gopalika (Bengal), and Pankaj Joshi (Gujarat).

The other Six distinguished officers produced by this golden batch of 1989 currently helm the bureaucracy in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir.

Such outcomes are never accidental. They are shaped by years of perseverance, discipline and the quiet resolve that defines the civil service at its best. Surrounded by peers of equal caliber, these officers appear to have inspired one another to greater heights — turning a strong batch into a genuinely historic phenomenon!

Together, the six Chief Secretaries currently oversee governance for about 61 crore people — more than 40% of India’s total population. The scale of responsibility they collectively shoulder is immense, and their leadership sits at the heart of administration across some of India’s most politically and economically significant states and union territories.

Here’s a glimpse into their individual journeys.

Anurag Jain — the 35th Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh — brings to the role a blend of technical depth, policy exposure, and a calm administrative temperament shaped over three decades in public service.

A 1989-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Jain took charge as Chief Secretary on 3 October 2024. Born in Gwalior, he is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, where he completed his B. Tech in Electrical Engineering, and the Maxwell School in the United States, from which he earned a Master’s in Public Administration — a combination that has long informed his analytical and reform-driven approach.

His career has traversed key positions across the state and Centre. From serving as Collector in Mandla, Mandsaur and Bhopal to holding senior roles such as Finance Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Jain has been central to several phases of the state’s administrative evolution. At the national level, his tenure as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office and later as Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways broadened his exposure to complex policymaking and national infrastructure development.

Jain has also been recognised for championing e-governance, earning the “Web Ratna Award” for initiatives that enhanced digital delivery and institutional efficiency.

Since assuming the top bureaucratic position in Madhya Pradesh, he has placed emphasis on timely service delivery, tighter administrative discipline, and stronger inter-departmental coordination. His one-year extension, now taking his tenure through August 2026, signals the confidence both the state and Centre place in his steady and results-oriented leadership.

At a time when Madhya Pradesh faces the dual demands of fiscal prudence and administrative strengthening, Anurag Jain’s mix of technical acumen, field experience, and reformist outlook positions him as a reliable and forward-looking steward of the state’s governance.

Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, a 1989-batch IAS officer, assumed charge as Karnataka’s Chief Secretary in July 2024, becoming only the fifth woman to occupy the state’s highest bureaucratic post. Backed by a formidable academic record — gold medals in Psychology, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in rural development — she brings intellectual depth to her administrative work.

Her wide-ranging career has included key assignments across finance, civil aviation, rural development, women and child welfare, and major reform-driven roles at both the state and central levels. As Mission Director of the Sakala programme, she led one of Karnataka’s most celebrated governance reforms, ensuring time-bound delivery of services and earning accolades such as the Google Innovation Award and a National e-Governance Award.

Widely regarded for her clarity, integrity and citizen-first approach, Dr. Rajneesh continues to drive efforts to streamline administration and strengthen transparent, technology-led public service delivery.

Atal Dulloo, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, currently serves as Jammu & Kashmir’s Chief Secretary, carrying into the role both technical grounding as a civil engineer and decades of administrative experience in the region.

Recognised for his practical, results-driven approach, Dulloo has consistently pushed for on-schedule delivery of major urban programmes, including AMRUT and Swachh Bharat, while emphasising rigorous oversight and coordination across departments. His leadership has also been central to advancing large-scale agricultural and climate-resilience projects, where he has pressed for faster execution and closer integration with financial institutions to benefit farmers.

Dulloo’s steady, consensus-oriented style has stood out in moments of high pressure, particularly during recent elections, where the Election Commission acknowledged the administration’s smooth and efficient conduct under his supervision.

V. Srinivas, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, has formally taken charge as the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, returning to the state after a widely noted stint at the Centre. A chemical engineer by training, with B.Tech and M.Tech degrees from Osmania University, Srinivas has served in several key Union government positions, including Secretary of the Departments of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, and Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare.

Born in Telangana and deeply shaped by decades of service in Rajasthan, Srinivas has also represented India at the International Monetary Fund and participated in global administrative forums, including the Commonwealth Heads of Public Service and Secretaries to Cabinet. He is a Digital India Award recipient for his leadership in implementing e-Office across the Government of India.

Assuming office as Chief Secretary in November 2025, he also heads Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Ltd. His mandate focuses on strengthening administrative coordination, enhancing transparency, and accelerating policy implementation in line with the state’s ambitious “Viksit Rajasthan @ 2047” vision.

Notably, Srinivas recently achieved a rare international distinction—becoming the first Indian in 100 years to be elected President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences, marking a milestone for India’s civil service leadership on the global stage.

Shashi Prakash Goyal, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, took over as the state’s Chief Secretary on July 31, 2025, succeeding Manoj Kumar Singh. His three-decade career began in Etawah as Assistant Magistrate, followed by key district leadership roles in Mathura, Prayagraj and Deoria.

Goyal also brought central administrative experience to the table, having served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education before returning to Lucknow in 2017 to play a pivotal role in the Chief Minister’s Office under Yogi Adityanath.

Widely regarded for his quiet efficiency, strategic clarity and ability to coordinate complex government machinery, he has long been seen as a reliable hand behind major policy execution. As Chief Secretary, Goyal has committed himself to the state’s core governance goals — zero tolerance, corruption-free administration, timely delivery of projects and accelerated economic growth — as he works to guide Uttar Pradesh’s developmental trajectory.

Rajesh Agarwal, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, has taken over as the state’s Chief Secretary from November 2025. His appointment marks a return to Mumbai after an impactful tenure at the Centre, where he most recently served as Secretary in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Agarwal’s career spans key assignments in information technology, finance and administrative reforms, reflecting a rare breadth of expertise across critical governance sectors. Colleagues often describe him as a measured, reform-driven administrator with a knack for simplifying complex systems and pushing institutions toward greater efficiency.

With a one-year tenure ahead, Agarwal is seen as the steady, methodical hand Maharashtra needs—someone capable of ensuring policy continuity, sharpening administrative processes and reinforcing accountability at a time when governance demands both speed and stability.

Odisha Needs Its First Woman Chief Secretary

Anuj Gaur — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:02:57 +0000

With crimes against women becoming a grave concern in Odisha, the state finds itself at a crossroads. The situation demands not just policy corrections but a deeper shift in how the administration understands and responds to gender-based violence. This is the moment for Odisha to appoint its first woman Chief Secretary and IAS Anu Garg is the perfect candidate.

This move would carry significance far beyond symbolism. A competent, experienced and reform-minded woman bureaucrat at the top can bring a sharper focus to issues that have long been sidelined in mainstream governance. Evidence from across India shows that women leaders tend to prioritise safety, welfare, and last-mile service delivery. Odisha urgently needs that orientation.

A woman Chief Secretary can drive systemic reform across key departments: speeding up police modernisation, strengthening women’s help desks, improving investigation standards, and ensuring technology-backed monitoring of crime. Her leadership can integrate scattered efforts from various state departments including home, health, education, and panchayati raj, into a coordinated safety architecture.

Just as importantly, she can anchor the social side of the challenge. Campaigns against harrassment and rapes, domestic violence, trafficking, and child marriage need credibility and community trust; a woman leader at the helm lends both. Her presence would inspire more women to join the civil services and policing, widening the representational base the state badly needs.

Odisha has never shied away from progressive decisions. This one decision is completely in line with the motto of the Central Government – “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” and it would go a long way in cementing the public perception that the Government takes the grave issue seriously.

Giving the state its first woman Chief Secretary now would send a clear message: women’s safety is not just a statistic to be reviewed, rather it is a governance priority that requires leadership with empathy, authority, and resolve.

This is the right moment for Odisha to lead by example.
There are several other reasons why IAS Anu Garg is the right person for the top job in the state.

Ms. Anu Garg, IAS (Odisha Cadre, 1991), is a senior civil servant whose career has spanned district administration, public health, labour governance, water management and high-level planning roles in both the state government and the Centre.

A graduate of Lady Shri Ram College and a gold medallist in Psychology, she went on to pursue a Master’s in Sociology from Lucknow University before completing a public health programme at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health—an academic trajectory that later informed much of her administrative work.

Garg began her career with sub-divisional assignments in Jharsuguda and Kalahandi, followed by stints as Collector in Bargarh and Sambalpur. These early postings grounded her in the complexities of district governance, land management and field administration. She moved into the health sector soon after, taking on a series of responsibilities in the Health and Family Welfare Department, both in the state government and on deputation to the Union government. Her roles included Director, Deputy Secretary and later Joint Secretary, with responsibilities ranging from disease control to public health policy.

Between 2012 and 2017, she served on central deputation, including an important stint in the Prime Minister’s Office, and later as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles. Returning to Odisha, she held senior positions in Labour and ESI, followed by a sustained tenure in the Water Resources Department, where she served as Principal Secretary and subsequently Additional Chief Secretary.

In 2023, Garg assumed charge as Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Convergence), a role central to monitoring flagship programmes and coordinating inter-departmental planning. She has also held additional charge as Director General of the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration.

Across her postings, Garg’s career reflects a steady progression through critical sectors—health, labour, water management and planning—each contributing to her current standing as one of Odisha’s senior-most administrators. Her trajectory illustrates both administrative versatility and long-term engagement with public policy at the state and national levels.

“Principal Secretary P. Narahari: An Administrator Shaping Citizen-Centric Governance in Madhya Pradesh”

Anuj Gaur — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:57:58 +0000

As of October 2025, Parikipandla Narahari, a 2001-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, serves as Principal Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Government of Madhya Pradesh. Promoted to the rank of Principal Secretary in January 2025, he has steadily advanced through a career marked by administrative innovation and citizen-centric governance.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate with distinction, Narahari began his administrative journey as Assistant Collector in Chhindwara and later served as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Gwalior and Indore. His tenure as District Collector in Seoni, Singrauli, and Gwalior was defined by effective governance and inclusive initiatives. In Gwalior, he worked to make public spaces more accessible for persons with disabilities, while in Singrauli, he oversaw a notably peaceful land acquisition process.

As Collector of Indore, Narahari led transformative civic initiatives that propelled the city to the top of the Swachh Survekshan rankings in 2017, a milestone in India’s urban sanitation drive. His engagement with citizens through social media, promoting transparency and responsiveness in governance, earned him national recognition — including a place among The Better India’s “Top 10 Most Inspiring IAS Officers” in 2017.

At the state level, he has held key positions such as Commissioner, Public Relations, Commissioner, Urban Administration, Secretary, MSME Industries Department, Commissioner of Industries, and Secretary, Sports & Youth Welfare, contributing to sectoral development and policy innovation.

In 2025, he led a state delegation on sustainable water management, underscoring his role in shaping public health infrastructure and resource efficiency.

Beyond administration, Narahari is an author and motivational speaker, known for works like Who Owns Mhow?, The Making of Ladli Laxmi Yojna, ‘Betiyaan’ and ‘Swacch Indore’ reflecting his engagement with governance reform and social empowerment.

Alok Singh, IPS: A Model of Measured Leadership and Tactical Command

Anuj Gaur — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:54:07 +0000

The timeless adage, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well,” resonates powerfully in the career of Alok Singh, a 1995-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Known for his quiet intensity, strategic clarity, and integrity in service, Singh today stands among the most respected figures in Uttar Pradesh’s policing architecture. Currently serving as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Kanpur Zone, his record is defined not by noise, but by measurable, enduring impact.

In the early 2000s, Singh was handpicked to lead a pivotal counter-insurgency operation in Sonbhadra, a region then plagued by Naxalite dominance. With PAC camps and police stations overrun, the situation demanded swift and surgical action. Under Singh’s leadership, three area committees were dismantled, looted arms were recovered, and a sense of control was restored. The effort earned him the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2002.

His academic credentials mirror his professional discipline. Singh holds degrees in Physics and Mathematics, Economics, and an MBA in Marketing and Finance. He has undergone advanced training programs in Italy and at Cambridge University, UK—where he not only excelled but was also invited to mentor new IPS probationers, a rare distinction underscoring his intellectual and professional acumen.

Singh’s tenure as the first Commissioner of Police for Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) in 2020 marked a significant milestone in his career. Tasked with implementing the newly introduced commissionerate system in one of UP’s fastest-growing urban hubs, Singh laid the groundwork for modernised, responsive, and citizen-oriented policing.

His decorated service record includes the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, the Utkrishta Seva Padak, and the DGP’s Commendation Discs in Silver, Gold, and Platinum. He has led from the front during key operations against terrorism in Saharanpur and criminal gangs in Kanpur and adjoining districts.

Alok Singh executed high-impact crackdowns on organised criminal networks. In a notable operation, an auto-lifters’ gang with a cache of 21 stolen motorcycles and arms was neutralised across Farrukhabad and Etawah. In parallel, his zonal command led to the arrest of 127 individuals under the Goonda and Gangster Acts, with assets worth crores seized across Auraiya, Jalaun, and Kanpur Dehat.

His leadership during the tense period surrounding the Ayodhya verdict, while posted as IG of Meerut Range, earned quiet praise for preserving communal harmony through tact and preparedness.

Alok Singh’s trajectory is not one of flamboyance but of steady ascent—marked by field-tested judgment, intellectual depth, and institutional integrity. Should he one day assume the role of Director General of Police, it would not merely crown a distinguished career; it would affirm the enduring relevance of principled, mission-focused leadership in Indian policing.

Dr. K. Jayanth Murali: From Policing to Pushing Human Endurance

Anuj Gaur — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:16:50 +0000

At 62, Dr. K. Jayanth Murali, former Director General of Police (DGP), Tamil Nadu, has once again captured public attention—this time not for a law enforcement breakthrough, but for an extraordinary feat of physical and mental resilience. Between January 2022 and March 2025, Murali completed 159 marathons—21 full and 138 half marathons—earning a place in the India Book of Records 2026. But beyond the sheer numbers, this achievement underscores a career and a life defined by discipline, purpose, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

A Distinguished Policing Career

Dr. Murali’s professional journey spans over three decades in the Tamil Nadu Police Service, where he held several key assignments before retiring as DGP in 2022. Known for his meticulous approach to policing, he served in critical law-and-order and crime investigation roles, including his tenure as Chief of the Idol Wing of Tamil Nadu Police, a specialized unit tasked with investigating idol thefts and restoring stolen artefacts to temples and cultural institutions.

Under his leadership, the Idol Wing recorded significant breakthroughs, recovering several stolen idols of immense historical and cultural value. His work in this field positioned him as one of the key figures in the fight against the illegal trade of antiquities, aligning law enforcement efforts with cultural preservation—a theme he would later explore in his writings.

Murali also held senior positions in intelligence, crime prevention, and administrative policing, building a reputation for operational efficiency and ethical rigor. Colleagues recall him as a professional who combined investigative precision with a strong emphasis on public service, reflecting the evolving face of Indian policing.

Transitioning from Badge to Running Shoes

After retiring in 2022, Murali opted for an unconventional post-service path. Instead of entering corporate consulting, politics, or ceremonial advisory roles—common choices for many retired senior officials—he turned to long-distance running, a passion he had nurtured for years.

The shift was not merely recreational. Murali approached marathon running with the same rigor he once brought to policing. His participation in 159 marathons—completed across diverse terrains and climatic conditions—was not only a personal test of endurance but also a platform to promote health awareness and social causes.

A History of Merging Endurance with Public Service

Murali’s inclination to blend athleticism with public service predates his retirement. In 2018, he entered the India Book of Records for promoting organ donation awareness through a series of half marathons, in collaboration with the Mohan Foundation. A year later, he achieved recognition in the Asia Book of Records for similar initiatives involving full marathons.

These campaigns demonstrated his ability to use physical endurance events as tools for social messaging—a strategy far removed from the largely symbolic charitable activities associated with many retired bureaucrats. His marathon efforts have been particularly significant in advocating for senior citizens’ fitness, positioning him as an influential voice in the conversation on healthy aging.

An Author and Thinker

Parallel to his policing and athletic achievements, Dr. Murali has also distinguished himself as an author. His books, including Enkindling the Endorphins of Endurance and Chasing the Lost Gods, offer insights into two distinct but interconnected aspects of his life.

The first explores the psychological and physiological dimensions of endurance sports, reflecting his personal journey as a marathoner. The second delves into his experiences with the Idol Wing, documenting efforts to recover stolen cultural heritage and underlining the intersection of law enforcement and heritage conservation.

Together, these works showcase Murali’s intellectual engagement with both his professional and personal passions, offering readers a unique perspective on the possibilities of life after public service.

Redefining Retirement

In a professional landscape where many retired senior officials fade into low-impact consultancy roles or attempt politically motivated comebacks, Murali’s post-retirement life stands out for its substance. His decision to channel energy into marathons—events that demand consistent physical training, strategic planning, and mental resilience—has not only redefined his own life but also challenged stereotypes about aging and retirement in India.

“Every marathon teaches me the finish line is just the beginning,” Murali has said, a statement that mirrors his broader philosophy of continuous growth. For a man who spent his career in high-stakes policing, this second act serves as both a personal reinvention and a public message: retirement need not be a retreat, but an opportunity to push new boundaries.

A National Benchmark in Senior Endurance

Dr. Murali’s journey has now set a national benchmark for senior endurance athletes, inspiring both younger and older generations to rethink physical limits. His 159 marathons are not merely numbers but milestones that reflect determination and a refusal to let age dictate ambition.

By leveraging his athletic achievements for health advocacy and social messaging, he has extended his legacy beyond law enforcement, contributing to a broader dialogue on public well-being.

From recovering priceless cultural artefacts as the head of the Idol Wing to completing record-setting marathons, Dr. K. Jayanth Murali’s trajectory is a study in purposeful reinvention. His official career demonstrated integrity and administrative capability; his post-retirement life exemplifies resilience and social engagement.

In many ways, Murali represents a new model for retired senior officials—one that values active contribution over ceremonial presence, and public service over personal comfort. His story underscores a larger truth: sometimes, the most compelling chapters of a public servant’s life are written after the uniform is hung up for good.

IAS Sanyukta Samaddar: The Officer who took SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) to every corner of Bharat

Anuj Gaur — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 02:53:46 +0000

IAS Sanyukta Samaddar, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), has over 25 years of distinguished service in various domains of development administration, policy-making, planning, and financial management. Her career has been marked by a series of impactful roles both at the national and state levels, with significant contributions to integrating the globally recognised Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the national and state-level policy planning frameworks in all 36 States & Union Territories, while also curating the famously known, Indian Model of SDG Localisation, with a focus on reducing multidimensional poverty and ‘leaving no one behind’.

IAS Sanyukta Samaddar’s academic background includes an M.A. in Public Administration from Syracuse University, New York, and an M.A. in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She also holds a B.A. in Political Science from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. Her professional training spans various prestigious institutions, including the Harvard Kennedy School (US), Sciences Po (France), Cambridge University (UK) and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, where she received advanced training in public policy, governance, and project evaluation.

IAS Sanyukta Samaddar’s career began in 1999 with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, where she held numerous pivotal positions across a broad spectrum of sectors. Her early work focused on health, education, agriculture, social welfare, infrastructure, revenue administration, and industrial policy while serving as District Magistrate and Collector in 10 districts including Mirzapur, Firozabad, Rampur, Lalitpur, Badaun, etc, where she was responsible for overseeing the development sector, disaster management, public order, and the implementation of all government welfare schemes.. Her leadership in these districts was instrumental in driving reforms in land records, particularly through computerization and digitization, and widening the ambit and scope of community participation, which significantly improved citizen access to government services.

Her focus on engaging with the vulnerable sections of community, especially women, migrant workers, persons with disabilities, at the grass-roots level in development programs was another hallmark of her work, with notable projects involving women’s self-help groups (SHGs) in rural areas, especially in the Bundelkhand region. These initiatives were designed to empower women through capacity-building programs, training, and linking SHGs with financial institutions.

In 2013, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar transitioned to a policy formulation role at the Government of India where she worked till 2021-22.

As Director in the Department of Industries, Government of India, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar further gained expertise in the thermal power sector, heavy engineering, and electrical equipment sector, as she played significant role as Government Nominee Director in the Boards of over 8 Central Public Sector Enterprises, and directly oversaw the operations of Maharatna PSUs like BHEL, handling policy-making, budgeting, project formulation, and performance evaluation of these CPSEs.

Some of her key contributions during this phase included the rationalization of 32 CPSEs, a process involving closures, mergers, and disinvestments, aimed at improving efficiency and financial health of the sector.

In 2017, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar joined NITI Aayog, the premier think tank of the Government of India, as Officer on Special Duty and later as Adviser (SDGs). In this capacity, she became the driving force behind India’s SDG initiatives, and functioned as Government of India’s Focal Point for SDGs at the United Nations and G20. Here she led the development of the SDG India Index, a tool that assesses the country’s progress on the SDGs at both national and state levels.

The index, first published in 2018, provided a comprehensive ranking of states and Union Territories, offering insights into their performance across various SDGs. IAS Sanyukta Samaddar also spearheaded the creation of the SDG India Index Dashboard, a dynamic platform for monitoring and evaluating SDG progress. This was followed by her developing a similar tool to measure the progress of the 8 North Eastern States and their 120+ districts on SDGs, and the Urban SDG Index to rank our Indian cities.

IAS Sanyukta Samaddar led India’s first National Multidimensional Poverty Index (nMPI) project, which aimed to measure poverty across various dimensions, such as education, health, and living standards. This project, developed in collaboration with UNDP and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), provided a more nuanced understanding of poverty in India and its states. This was India’s first attempt at estimating the incidence and intensity of multidimensional poverty at the national, state-UT level and also in the 700+ district of India, and was first released in 2021.

One of her most significant achievements was leading India’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2020, a comprehensive report presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. This VNR, developed in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and UN agencies, highlighted India’s progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was presented by her in the United Nations Headquarters in July, 2020.

Her leadership and achievements in this area showcased her ability to coordinate across diverse stakeholders and present India’s efforts on the global stage.

IAS Sanyukta Samaddar also led the SDG localisation efforts, supporting all the 36 States and Union Territories in designing and implementing monitoring systems for SDG performance. Her strategy of extensive outreach and in conducting intensive capacity building sessions in all State capitals was instrumental in ensuring that SDG implementation was not just a top-down process but also deeply integrated into state and district governance structures.

Throughout her tenure at NITI Aayog, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar represented India in various multilateral and bilateral forums, most notably at the G20 Development Working Groups in Argentina, Japan, Indonesia between 2018-2022. She was actively involved in global negotiations on financing for sustainable development, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and human capital development. She has represented India at UNESCAP, where she engaged in regional and bilateral negotiations on SDG financing, climate action, and energy infrastructure.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar played a crucial role in India’s response efforts. As the nodal person for NITI Aayog’s COVID-19 initiatives, she coordinated with civil society, industry, and international development organizations to ensure a comprehensive and effective response. Her leadership in this area underscored her ability to manage complex, high-stakes situations at the national level.

IAS Sanyukta Samaddar has several publications on SDGs and National MPI to her credit, including India’s VNR 2020, India’s National MPI, The Cost of Selected Sustainable Development Goals (in collaboration with IMF), and the SDG India Index reports, the NER District SDG Index, the Indian Model of SDG Localisation, etc . Her publications reflect her expertise of sustainable development and her ability to translate complex policy concepts into actionable frameworks.

Currently, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar serves as the Commissioner of the National Capital Region of Uttar Pradesh, overseeing urban management in one of India’s most dynamic and rapidly growing regions. She also frequently teaches courses on SDGs, Private Sector’s roles and responsibilities towards SDGs, measuring and using Multidimensional Poverty estimates, in various institutions such as Oxford University,UK, management colleges, IITs, National and State Administrative Training Institutes, National Centre for Good Governance etc.

As anyone would notice, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar’s career trajectory reflects a passionate commitment to public service, with a particular focus on sustainable development and inclusive growth. Her work across various sectors and her leadership in SDG efforts have made her a key player in shaping India’s development agenda both at the national and global levels.

Needless to say, IAS Sanyukta Samaddar is the kind of officer who is a role model for the young IAS officers. Her stellar work and achievements will inspire young officers to become the best version of themselves and deliver their best for the benefit of the people, their state and their country for years to come!

IAS Mugdha Sinha: A Trailblazer in Governance, Reputed for her Grit and Vision

Anuj Gaur — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 02:43:12 +0000

IAS officer Mugdha Sinha, a member of the 1999 batch of the Rajasthan cadre, has had a career distinguished by her resolute approach to governance, adaptability in challenging circumstances, and an unwavering commitment to public service. From tackling entrenched socio-economic issues to pioneering administrative reforms, her journey exemplifies the ethos of the Indian Administrative Service.

Born in Uttar Pradesh, Sinha’s formative years were shaped by a legacy of service and sacrifice. Her father, Squadron Leader Gur Swaroop Sinha, served as a pilot in the Indian Air Force, participating in the Indo-China Wars and the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Tragically, he lost his life in an air crash in Ladakh when Sinha was only four years old.

Sinha pursued her education with exceptional dedication. She earned a degree in History (Hons.) from Lady Shri Ram College, securing the top position in college and ranking third in Delhi University. She was conferred with the Manorama Desai Award for Best Student in History and also awarded the Principal’s Prize for promoting Academic Ethos in College. She followed this with an MA in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and further specialized in International Trade and Diplomacy, completing her M.Phil. with distinction. In JNU she was the recipient of the Ford Foundation Scholarship and also UGC NET-JRF Scholarship. While pursuing her MA, she also completed a one-year Diploma in International Environmental Law from WWF, New Delhi. Although initially inclined toward the Indian Foreign Service, she was encouraged by her mother to pursue the IAS, clearing the exam in 1999 with an All-India Rank of 8.

Sinha’s career has spanned diverse roles in both cadre and central deputation, reflecting her versatility and leadership skills. Her initial postings included assignments in Rajasthan, where she managed four districts of Bundi, Hanumangarh, Jhunjhunu and Sri Ganganagar with complex socio-political dynamics. Her tenure in Jhunjhunu, marked by a strong stance against illegal mining and mafia activities, showcased her ability to handle sensitive and high-pressure situations. Sinha spearheaded actions against the sand and liquor mafia, intercepted explosives destined for illegal operations, and upheld the rule of law despite political challenges.

Her commitment to addressing social justice issues was equally resolute. In districts plagued by caste oppression, she established protocols to ensure immediate administrative response to complaints, ensuring the safety and rights of marginalized communities.

During her tenure as Secretary in Rajasthan’s Food and Consumer Affairs, she introduced Data Analytics in a big way to automate the food grain allocation for the 4.5 crore NFSA beneficiaries and ration allocation becoming one of the top three States for the One Nation, One Ration project. Moreover, her use of data analytic insights helped curb corruption such that when she joined the Department it was plagued by several ACB cases and officers in suspension, but during her tenure no case of any kind of pilferage and corruption was instituted against or in the Department. No wonder she remained Secretary for one year each in two different dispensations in the state. Rajasthan stood first in Ujwala Yojna and for phasing out Kerosene during her tenure.

As Secretary Culture and Science & Technology Department, Sinha promoted convergence between Art and Science to create citizen scientists and pioneered the concept of Astro Night Sky Tourism in the country. She crowd-sourced the Artisan Data Base during the difficult period of the covid when artists were struggling for survival, she created an institutionalized mechanism for digital program-based payment to ensure their dignity was not compromised. The first Design Conclave was also conceived and organized by her for the State during Covid-19 in August 2020, which was later expanded into the India Art, Architecture and design Biennale at the RedFort, New Delhi in her subsequent tenure as Joint Secretary GLAM, in Ministry of Culture, GoI. She made Jawahar Kala Kendra a vibrant cultural center as its Director General.

Currently on central deputation, Sinha serves as the Director General of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism. Previously, she held the position of Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture. Her contributions in these roles include fostering cultural diplomacy, promoting India’s heritage on global platforms by conceiving three pioneering mega Global Cultural Initiatives -The International Museum Expo, The Festival of Libraries, and the Redfort Biennale-2023 which became she institutionalized as the Flagship Cultural Products of the Ministry. As the newly joined DG Tourism, she has energized the ecosystem in a short span of time with two back-to-back-delivery of WTM London and ITM at Kaziranga.

Throughout her career, Sinha has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the challenges of public administration, where her focus has always been on Citizen and Stakeholder based Governance. Her tenure has been punctuated by frequent transfers—13 times in 15 years—a testament to her principled stance and effectiveness in addressing systemic issues. Whether mitigating environmental concerns, improving public service delivery, or championing social equity, her work has consistently reflected innovation and impact.

Mugdha Sinha’s journey underscores the transformative potential of dedicated leadership in public administration. Her contributions, marked by a balance of intellectual rigor and pragmatic decision-making, continue to inspire and set benchmarks in governance.

As she progresses in her career, her initiatives in data governance, cultural, scientific, and infrastructural domains stand as a testament to her enduring commitment to nation-building.