Ms. Radha Raturi, a distinguished IAS officer of the 1988 Uttarakhand cadre, has had an extensive and multifaceted career in public administration, spanning more than three decades. Her exemplary service reflects her vast experience in managing key portfolios across the government, contributing significantly to state and national-level governance. Starting her journey as a direct recruit in the Indian Administrative Service, she quickly ascended through the ranks, leveraging her academic background and her aptitude for leadership.
Born in Madhya Pradesh and fluent in Hindi, Bengali, and English, Ms. Raturi holds a postgraduate degree in Personnel Management, along with a diploma in Journalism and a graduate degree in History, all of which she completed with first-division honors. This strong academic foundation undoubtedly played a role in her approach to administrative and personnel management throughout her career.
Her trajectory in public service is marked by key appointments at both the district and state levels, handling diverse portfolios that range from finance to women and child development, education, and general administration. In her earlier career, she served in crucial roles such as District Magistrate of Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal, where she managed land revenue and district administration. This period allowed her to hone her skills in governance at the grassroots level, dealing with complex administrative challenges.
Ms. Radha Raturi extensive experience with finance is particularly noteworthy, having held multiple key positions in the Department of Finance in Uttarakhand. She served as Principal Secretary in the Department of Finance and also took on the role of Secretary of Excise, handling vital financial and administrative matters over several tenures. Her involvement in finance reflects her capability in managing budgets, overseeing expenditure, and contributing to the economic framework of the state.
A significant part of her career is her involvement in women and child development, where she has worked to implement progressive policies in the realm of public welfare. Her tenure as Additional Chief Secretary for the Child Development & Women Empowerment Department in Uttarakhand highlights her commitment to social justice and empowerment. Her work in this field has contributed to the upliftment of women and children in the state, focusing on development programs aimed at enhancing their well-being.
Ms. Radha Raturi career also demonstrates her capability in handling high-pressure roles, particularly in public administration and governance. She has served in various critical capacities such as Chief Secretary to the Government of Uttarakhand, Principal Secretary, and Additional Chief Secretary in multiple departments, including General Administration and Personnel Vigilance. These roles are indicative of her vast experience in managing state-level administrative affairs and policy formulation, particularly in human resource development and public administration.
One of her more public-facing roles was her long-term association with election management. As the Chief Electoral Officer and Secretary for Elections in Uttarakhand, Ms. Raturi played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in the state, demonstrating her ability to manage large-scale operations with precision and fairness. Her efforts were recognized at the national level when she received the National Award for Excellence to States in 2017 from the Election Commission of India, reflecting her dedication to upholding the democratic process.
Throughout her career, Ms. Radha Raturi has been at the forefront of administrative reforms and public policy. Her leadership roles in secretariats, especially in General Administration and Personnel departments, allowed her to contribute to policy-making processes and implement administrative reforms. Her expertise in personnel management is a significant aspect of her work, having held the post of Principal Secretary in the Personnel Department and overseeing human resource management at a high level.
Ms. Radha Raturi journey is marked by her adaptability and the breadth of her experience, which spans finance, human resource development, public policy, and social welfare. As she moves towards the culmination of her career, with her retirement slated for September 2024, her legacy as a stalwart of public administration in Uttarakhand remains impactful. Her contributions across various domains of governance have left an indelible mark on the state’s administrative landscape, particularly in areas concerning financial governance, social welfare, and administrative reforms.
Her extensive experience, coupled with her academic background, has enabled her to contribute meaningfully to the welfare and development of the state of Uttarakhand and beyond. Her distinguished career reflects her unwavering commitment to public service and governance, making her a respected figure in Indian bureaucracy. Her journey and achievements make her a true inspiration to the young girls not only in Uttarakhand but the whole country.
