The 23 Women Catalysts of 2023: Top Women Performers of Indian Bureaucracy

At Bureaucrats India, we recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in Indian bureaucracy. The role of women in shaping policies, governance, and driving positive change is indispensable. We are committed to acknowledging their efforts and creating a platform to amplify their stories.

Our list ‘The 23 Women Catalysts of 2023: Top Women Performers of Indian Bureaucracy,’ is a humble tribute to the exceptional women bureaucrats who have made significant strides in their respective domains. While this list showcases outstanding individuals, we acknowledge that numerous other women bureaucrats equally deserve recognition.

Our commitment extends beyond this list, and we pledge to continue our endeavor to amplify and celebrate the stories of all women bureaucrats whose contributions deserve acknowledgment. By showcasing their achievements, we hope to inspire and empower more women to excel in the dynamic field of Indian bureaucracy. Together, we strive for a more inclusive and diverse administrative landscape.

1. Rashmi Shukla (IPS), Director General of Police, Maharashtra

Rashmi Shukla, an IPS officer from the 1988 batch is the first woman officer to hold the position of Maharashtra's Director General of Police (DGP). In her distinguished career of over three decades, she has served in key roles including as Pune Police Commissioner, Additional Director General of the CRPF, and Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal.

Shukla is known for her transformative initiatives for women's welfare and empowerment including projects like Buddy Cop system, Bhojanamrita scheme, Damini Squad, Nirbhaya Squad, and the Pink Toilet initiative. Her commendable services have earned her prestigious awards including The DGP’s Insignia, the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. Additionally, she received Appreciation Awards for her exceptional performance during the 2008 Terror Attacks in Mumbai and the FICCI Smart Policing Award for Women’s Safety.

2. Kanchan Devi (IFS), Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)

Kanchan Devi, an IFS officer from the 1991 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre is the first woman officer to hold the position of DG of ICFRE.

With expertise in various domains of forest, wildlife and their policies, Devi specialises in forest management, policies and administration. She is among the few IFS officers who played an important role in setting up the Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management and implementation of World Bank funded Ecosystem Services Improvement Project (ESIP) at ICFRE.

Devi previously served as DG (Education) for four years at ICFRE, and was also a faculty member at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy.

3. Kala Ramachandran (IPS), ADGP Headquarters, Haryana Police

Kala Ramachandran, an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 1994 Haryana cadre, has made significant contributions throughout her illustrious career. With a dedicated commitment to maintaining law and order, she has served in various capacities across different regions.

Starting her journey as Superintendent of Police (SP), Ramachandran has served in three districts, showcasing exceptional leadership and tactical skills. During her central deputation she was deputed to the Intelligence Bureau in 2001, where she handled crucial desks, contributing significantly to national security.In 2017, she opted for a posting as the Director of the North Eastern Police Academy in Meghalaya. In this role, she oversaw the training requirements for police personnel in the North Eastern states, playing a crucial role in enhancing their skills and capabilities.

Returning to the Haryana Police in August 2020, Ramachandran joined as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Headquarters and Women Safety. Her diverse experience and leadership qualities earned her the position of Principal Secretary, Transport, in September 2021, with an additional charge of ADGP, State Vigilance Bureau. It is rare for an IPS officer to hold the position of administrative secretary.

Continuing her journey in key roles, she assumed the position of Commissioner of Police (CP) in Gurugram in February 2022. Very effectively, she ensured that the Nuh riots did not spread to Gurugram. In August 2023, she further expanded her responsibilities as ADGP Administration, showcasing her versatility and efficiency in managing administrative affairs. Ramachandran's career exemplifies a commitment to service and a steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of justice and safety.

4. Abha Rani Singh (IRS), Chairman & Managing Director, National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)

Abha Rani Singh is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of 1996. With 27 years of experience, she has contributed enormously in various government domains, including assessment, training, administration, and directorates. She has also contributed significantly during her deputation with the Ministry of Finance.

Apart from her IRS role, Singh is a Resource Trainer for the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, specialising in the design of training and mentoring. She is a certified trainer by the Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, focusing on the design, management, and evaluation of training. Singh is a Visiting Faculty for several prestigious institutions, including Regional Direct Taxes Institutes in Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Chandigarh, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education Department (MHRD) Hyderabad, Administrative Training Institute in Guwahati, among other reputed locations.        

Singh has actively engaged in fieldwork, including project work on the Implementation of the Mid-day Meal scheme, a study on the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission, an assessment of the effectiveness of online training programs in government training institutes, and a study on employee engagement during the period of the Corona-Virus Pandemic.Singh holds a Ph.D. in Management with a specialisation in Organisational Behavior and Human Resources.

5. Indra Mallo (IAS), Joint Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of India

Indra Mallo is an IAS officer of the 1999 batch and belongs to the Maharashtra cadre and is the first woman IAS Officer of Arunachal Pradesh.

Mallo recently represented India at the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) universal periodic review (UPR) being held in Geneva, Switzerland. She was a member of the delegation from India, comprising senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Home Affairs among others.The UPR is a unique process that involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. The UPR is a significant innovation of the Human Rights Council, and is based on equal treatment for all countries.

Mallo was recognised for her handling of the Naxals in the sensitive Gadchiroli district during 2004 to 2006. She has earlier served in Maharashtra as the Managing Director of Mahila Arthik Vikas Mandal and Commissioner, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Navi Mumbai.

6. Smita Sabharwal (IAS), Member Secretary, Telangana State Finance Commission

Smita Sabharwal is an IAS officer of 2001 batch of Telangana cadre. Prior to her current assignment, Sabharwal was posted as Secretary to Chief Minister of Telangana, the first woman officer to have been appointed to the Chief Minister’s Office.

In her career, Sabharwal has displayed exemplary commitment to innovations and addressing citizens’ issues. One of her novel initiatives includes the creation of the ‘Fund Your City’ program during her tenure as the Municipal Commissioner in Warangal, facilitating the development of numerous public amenities like traffic junctions, foot over bridges, bus stops and parks through innovative public-private partnerships.

Additionally, her impactful work as the District Collector in Karimnagar and Medak received appreciation for improvements in the health and education sectors. As District Collector at Karimnagar, her initiative ‘Ammalalana’ to improve institutional deliveries  in the public sector was initiated and it became a role model for many health initiatives ofhigh risk pregnancy management targetingIMR and MMRin NRHM of Government of India. This initiative was also nominated as one of the best initiatives for the Prime Minister's award for excellence in public administration.In Medak, as DC Sabharwal successfully conducted free and fair polls registering a high polling turnout.

7. Sanjukta Parashar (IPS), Inspector General of Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Government of India

Sanjukta Parashar is  an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, of 2006 batch of the Meghalaya-Assam cadre. Parashar is a recipient of prestigious President's Police Medal and the Nari Shakti Puraskar. She has also been awarded the Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Training on National Investigation Day 2022.

Known for her dedication to combating human trafficking and child exploitation, Parashar has successfully rescued numerous women and children from traffickers, providing them with a chance for a new life. Known for her resoluteness against terrorism, she encountered 16 militants, arrested 64 militants, and seized substantial quantities of arms and ammunition within a span of 15 months. As SP Sonitpur,  Assam Parashar led the team of CRPF jawans in an operation against Bodo militants. She has successfully tackled criminal gangs and drug cartels during her postings in Assam.

8. Roopa R Sahoo (IAS), Special Secretary to Chief Minister, Odisha

Roopa Roshan Sahoo, an IAS officer from the 2006 batch of Odisha cadre is currently holding multiple portfolios in the Government of Odisha. In addition to her role as Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, she is also the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, and Member Secretary of PHDMA (Poverty and Human Development Monitoring Agency).

Sahoo strongly believes in participatory policymaking, evident in various policy decisions she has taken throughout her illustrious career. She views citizens not just as beneficiaries but as partners in the growth story. In her role as Commissioner-cum-Secretary, she has initiated several innovative programs such as Mo Parikalpana, Parents as Partners, and Observe to Act, aiming to involve every stakeholder in the development process.

As a perpetual learner, Sahoo navigates through the evolving landscape of social intricacies, striving for equitable development and the empowerment of marginalised communities. Her background in Sociology, with a special focus on Anthropology, makes her a strong advocate for humanising concepts and processes. In her role as Member Secretary of PHDMA, she introduced the significance of stories, narratives, and visual Anthropology in monitoring, evaluation, and learning. She has played a key role in the implementation of the Samhati program, which addresses language barriers faced by tribal students. She also initiated 'Anwesha' to provide quality education to the children from marginalized backgrounds.

Beyond her administrative role, Sahoo has a deep interest in cultural and traditional aspects associated with weaving patterns, particularly motifs and ikat. She believes that motifs are not just design elements but reflections of belief systems and the folk culture of the people who design them. Ikat, for her, is an identity and a mission to create knowledge around it.Sahoo holds an MA in Sociology from JNU, Delhi, an MPhil in Sociology and Indian Cinema, and is pursuing a PhD with a focus on the Sociological Analysis of Motifs in Ikat.

9. Anindita Mitra (IAS), Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh

Anindita Mitra, a 2007 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre is currently posted as the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Commissioner on inter-cadre deputation from Punjab cadre to AGMUT cadre. She has previously served as SDM Ropar, ADC Patiala, DC Nawanshahr, DC Hoshiarpur, Director of Information and Public Relations, Punjab.

As Director of the Department of Food and Civil Supply, Punjab, she broke the backbone of transport cartel and ensured smooth & hassle-free procurement operations. As Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mitra is not only making the city green & clean but also empowering local communities.For her 'Bartan Bhandar' project, she collaborated with National Urban Livelihood Mission and set up a self-help group. The group was provided with utensils which are given on rent for various events and functions. Among others, this initiative has helped in reducing the use of plastic plates, glasses.

Mitra launched a special vehicle called 'Swachh Sawari' to collect old household items such as clothes from households. Collected clothes are then transferred to a self-help group 'Naya Sa'. After careful analysis, clothes are refurbished and are sold at a nominal rate. This initiative not only helped in recycling of clothes but saved them from landing in dumping grounds.

Mitra also started Project 'Arpan' to collect floral wastes from all the holy places & florists and transfer it to SHG group. The group makes diyas and agarbattis from the waste. She also launched a store RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Old goods and articles are collected from the public and delivered to different RRR stores in the city. The Corporation has opened 'One Rupee Store' where recycled products are available for people to buy.Her people-centric initiatives and commitment to public service is truly commendable.

10. Sonal Goel (IAS), Resident Commissioner, Tripura Bhawan

Sonal Goel, an IASofficer of 2008 batch from the Tripura Cadre, is currently serving as the Resident Commissioner at Tripura Bhawan in New Delhi. In her 15 years of service, she has served as DM Gomati; Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Faridabad; State Project Director, Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyan; ADM & Collector, South Tripura; CEO, Agartala Municipal Corporation; SDM Ambassa; Assistant Collector, West Tripura.She has also authored a book 'Nation Calling - Holistic Approach to UPSC Civil Services.'

Goel's work has been widely recognised on national platforms, particularly for her initiatives in rural development, women and child welfare, urban development, digitalisation, health, and sports. She has been selected in the 'Top 25 Women Transforming India' by Niti Aayog, for establishing 70 vocational training centres for women, a domestic violence helpline, and all women polling stations in the state of Tripura.

As Deputy Commissioner, Jhajjar, she led the BBBP team to interact with the then President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on International Women's Day on best practices of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign in 2013. During her stint in Jhajjar, the district received an award from the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India on National Girl Child Day in the category 'Enabling Girl Child Education' in 2019. Her initiatives at Jhajjar were published in 'Innovations' booklet by the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. During her tenure as Commissioner, Faridabad Municipal Corporation & CEO, Faridabad Smart City Limited, Faridabad was ranked as. Fastest Moving City at National Level' under Swachh Sarvekshan in 2017 by Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India.

Her initiative Nandini was recognised as Best Practice on Civil Service Day 2016 by Government of Tripura. Goel was felicitated by the Department of Posts, Government of India for her achievement under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme at NE Region in 2016. She has been felicitated with National Digital India award from Ministry of Information Technology & Communications, Government of India and National MGNREGA award from Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India in 2016. Goel has also been recognized as one of the 'Top 30 Web Wonder Women' by Twitter India and the Ministry of Women and Child in March 2019.

11. Suman Rawat Chandra (IAS), Director, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India

Suman Rawat Chandra is an IAS officer from the 2010 batch of Maharashtra cadre and in her current role is driving a slew of initiatives at MNRE.In her previous role as Deputy Secretary at MNRE, Chandra played a crucial role in evaluating policy options for land aggregation, contributing significantly to India's feeder-level solarisation strategy. This effort led to the expansion of the PM KUSUM Scheme, MNRE's flagship initiative in 2023. She also took the lead on solar panel waste management, aligning with India's Circular Economy framework for solar photovoltaic (PV).

At CoP28, Dubai she led negotiations on mitigations that enabled putting forward a robust national position ensuring India in the spotlight as a climate action leader. Additionally, she also conceptualized and enabled hosting international panel discussions at India Pavilion at CoP 28 on India's renewable energy achievements, captivating a global audience with India's progress. She also represented the Ministry at the G20 ETWG event that led discussions on India's decentralized solar potential, highlighting a key area of our green energy strategy.

While handling MNRE’s communication vertical she  successfully organized the first-ever foreign media interaction with MNRE dedicated to amplifying India’s climate action especially in the field of Renewable Energy, ensuring international awareness of domestic mitigation efforts. She also led the team crafting the media and communication strategy for the inaugural International Green Hydrogen Conference, amplifying its impact.Fueled by her passion for sustainability, she continues to contribute to a positive image of India as a proactive force in the fight against climate change.

Prior to her current role, Chandra served as the Managing Director of Haffkine Bio-Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited, a Government of Maharashtra PSU. She has previously served as District Magistrate, CEO of Zilla Parishad, and CEO of Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission. Chandra has demonstrated effective leadership in critical initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing her commitment to public service.

In addition to an MPhil from Delhi University, Chandra holds a Master of Environmental Management from Yale School of Environment (YSE), specializing in Climate Change Science and Solutions (Clean Energy), and Environmental Policy Analysis. Her educational background aligns with her commitment to environmental sustainability and renewable energy.

12. Amrapali Kata (IAS), Joint Metropolitan Commissioner, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority

Amrapali Kata, an IAS of 2010 batch also serves as the Managing Director of the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited, in addition to her JMC role.

Kata's career began as the Sub-Collector of Vikarabad in Telangana. Over the years, she has displayed exemplary dedication and leadership skills including in her stints as Director of Women and Child Welfare and Collector and District Magistrate of Warangal Urban.

During her tenure as the District Collector of Warangal, Kata implemented various impactful initiatives. She introduced the Swachhata App, garnering over 5,500 downloads, providing citizens with a platform to register complaints, resulting in an impressive resolution rate. Kata also organised blood donation camps, promoted water conservation programs, and focused on improving healthcare, particularly enhancing Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs).

In agriculture, Kata led initiatives such as designing cropping clusters based on soil, water availability, and access to markets. She worked on strengthening existing markets and tying up market chains. Through national government programs like HRIDAY (National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojna), she preserved and incorporated heritage into the city's development.

Under her leadership, the district achieved open defecation-free status through the Swachh Bharat Mission. Kata also emphasised the development of waterways and the installation of better drainage networks under her 'Save Water Program.'

Kata has served in significant roles such as Personal Secretary to Union Minister Kishan Reddy and Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office. Her remarkable contributions were acknowledged when she received the HUDCO Award for Best Practices to improve the Living Environment for the year 2017-18. Her career reflects a commitment to public service and a proactive approach to addressing various socio-economic challenges.

13. Aparajita Rai (IPS), Superintendent of Police, Kalimpong, West Bengal

Aparajita Rai, a 2011 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre is the first woman IPS from Sikkim. As SP, she is credited for solving cases of smuggling of contraband including drugs and gold.

She is taking initiatives to rehabilitate alcohol & drug-addicted people. Rai started a creche in a women police station where 36 women personnel signed up to avail the facility.
Rai had won many awards in the Police Academy during her IPS training including 1958 Batch IPS Officers Trophy for Best Lady Outdoor Probationer, Shri Umesh Chandra Trophy for Field Combat, 55th Batch of Senior Officers Trophy for Best Turn Out. She has also been awarded Chief Minister's Police Medal for Commendable Service in 2021.

14. Inayat Khan (IAS), District Magistrate, Araria, Bihar

Inayat Khan, a 2012 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre has previously served as DM Sheikhpura, DM Begusarai, District Development Commissioner of Bhojpur, Block Development Officer of Pandarak in Patna.

Known for her proactive and humane approach, Khan is recognised for adopting daughters of two martyrs of Pulwama attack. She is bearing the entire educational expenses and other costs of daughters of Shaheed Ratan Kumar Thakur and Shaheed Sanjay Kumar Sinha.During her stint as DM Sheikhpura, the district showed the highest decline by 14.1% (51.7% to 37.6%) in the prevalence of underweight among children under 5 years, between 2015-16 and 2019-20. She was applauded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this achievement.

Khan was felicitated by Bihar State Examination Board on the eve of Medha Diwas 2023 for conducting Secondary and Intermediate Examination successfully and peacefully in the district.

15. Stuti Charan (IAS), Collector and District Magistrate, Chhotaudepur, Gujarat

Stuti Charan is a 2013 batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre and is widely known for her progressive initiatives and reform oriented approach to governance.

Prior to Chhotaudepur, Charan served as the District Development Officer in Aravalli & Sabarkantha; Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, overseeing six districts in Kutch and Saurashtra with jurisdiction over 30 municipalities. As DDO Aravalli, she started the initiative called 'Nanhi Pari', where the birth of a girl child was celebrated. Kumkum-Tilak was administered on the girl child and mother and they were given hygiene related gifts. This was started at all PHCs and Gram Panchayats. Also, a newborn girl child was issued her Aadhar and birth certificate on the same day.

As DDO Sabarkantha, she came across the fact that many pregnant women lost their precious lives due to cardiac issues. Charan ensured monitoring of all the pregnant women throughout their pregnancies by roping in gynecologists and cardiologists. Any woman in need of further medical assistance was sent to Ahmedabad for treatment and this initiative saved many lives.

For increasing the efficacy and transparency of governance, Charan initiated an online grievance redressal system. In this, an e-mail ID is created for each Zila Panchayat where the grievance applications are e-mailed by the head for each person. The applications are then sorted through, and a date & time is given to the person for a zoom call that is held at that centre for the meeting. It is also a paperless program where the solution to the grievance is not given on a paper. It is sent to them as a PDF on WhatsApp, and if they don’t have a smartphone, the solution is sent on an e-mail which after which it is the Zila Panchayat’s responsibility to relay the message to the concerned person.

This has saved a lot of time and money for people as it has cut down travel time and resources. SWATAH (Smart Women Adopting and Harnessing Technology) is another innovative initiative by Chanran focussed on enhancing tribal women’s financial literacy, efficiency in banking transaction, cheque writing, money withdrawal and other practical training on ATMs.

In 2022, Charan was honored with the Best District Development Officer award for her outstanding contributions to Aravalli District, on Good Governance Day. Her efforts in election management and best practices have further contributed to her recognition and success in her administrative career. Charan's career reflects her commitment to public service and her ability to make a positive impact on the communities she serves.

16. Richa Prakash Choudhary (IAS), Collector & District Magistrate, Durg, Chhattisgarh

Richa Prakash Choudhary, an IAS officer of 2014 batch from the Chhattisgarh Cadre is currently serving as the Collector & District Magistrate in Durg.

Her 'Seekh' initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the newly formed Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) district of Chhattisgarh garnered her much praise. Recognising the challenges faced by school children in accessing education during widespread lockdowns, Choudhary ensured that the 'Seekh' initiative provided crucial support. Through collaborative efforts with the community, she successfully mitigated the impact of the pandemic on children's education, setting a commendable benchmark for others.

In addition to her efforts in mainstream education, Choudhary collaborated with the NGO 'Ek Kadam' to address the educational needs of children with disabilities. By establishing tailored workshops to meet individual requirements, she facilitated meaningful learning experiences and engaged specific mentors to positively impact the lives of these children. Notably, for visually impaired children, the initiative ensured that NCERT books were converted into braille for all subjects.Choudhary's leadership in addressing the educational needs of both mainstream and differently-abled children showcases a proactive and compassionate approach to public service.

17. Srishti Gupta (IRTS), Lead (Strategy), National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)

Srishti Gupta is an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer of 2014 batch and is currently on deputation to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairsplaying a pivotal role in the strategic planning for the transformative Regional Rapid Transit Service (RRTS) project.

With over 9 years of experience in Urban Transport, Gupta has served in various capacities in the Mumbai Division of Central Railway. She recently completed her Masters in Public Policy from the University of Oxford, funded by a Commonwealth Scholarship.

Throughout her career, Gupta has received numerous Zonal and Divisional Railway awards. Notable among her achievements is the conceptualisation and implementation of several projects aimed at improving commuter experience and enhancing non-fare revenue sources. One of her significant accomplishments was leading a campaign for the promotion of the UTS App among commuters of local trains in Mumbai, resulting in a remarkable 200% increase in mobile ticketing and Mumbai Central Railway becoming the best-performing railway in mobile ticketing.

Gupta also played a key role in the launch of the Yatri App, Mumbai Local's first official app, allowing users to track real-time train locations and access important information. The app has garnered over 22 lakh downloads to date.

In her role with Mumbai Division, Central Railways, Gupta led the implementation of innovative revenue-generating projects, including sleeping pods, self-ticketing zones, EV charging stations, and atmospheric water generators. Under her leadership, Mumbai Division became the largest generator of non-fare revenue within the Ministry of Railways.

18. Pamela Satpathy (IAS), Collector & District Magistrate, Karimnagar, Telangana

Pamela Satpathy is an IAS officer of the 2015 batch and belongs to the Telangana cadre. Before this assignment, she held the position of Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration, heading all Urban Local Bodies of the state and holding an additional charge of State Mission Director for the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) under the Government of Telangana; getting to work with all women Self Help Groups in municipal areas.

In her career, she has served in various significant roles, including District Collector of Yadadri-Bhongir, Municipal Commissioner of Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC), Proje t Officer Integrated Tribal Development Agency Bhadrachalam and Assistant Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.

During her tenure as the Director of Municipal Administration, Satpathy launched the Urban Farming Centre (UFC) initiative at the CDMA office in collaboration with the Centre for Environment, Urban Governance, Infrastructure Development (CEUG&ID). The initiative focuses on training women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and government departments in promoting rooftop gardening of vegetables and medicinal plants. It provides urban residents with firsthand demonstrations of innovative portable farming systems. She also launched the 'Bartan Bank' in all ULBs which were managed by SHG women, to provide economically viable & ecofriendly alternatives to Single use plastic usage in social/ official gathering.

As the District Collector of Yadadri-Bhongir, Satpathy is recognised for her efforts to improve the lives of underprivileged children through numerous initiatives such as "Cycles For School" wherein they distributed bicycles to girl students to facilitate their commute to schools from villages. Snehita- Safe Childhood Interventions for Children, led to advocacy at school level regarding Good touch vs Bad touch & reporting child abuse promptly. Budhavaram Bodhana or loud reading hours in schools led to improvement in learning levels of school children. Shukravaram Sabhas or Friday meeting in Anganwadis led to a significant reduction of Anaemia in women, C-Section in delivery and stunting & wasting in children.

During her tenure as the Municipal Commissioner of Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation, Satpathy initiated various urban development and beautification projects, development of parks & road junctions and heritage restoration.

19. Dr Artika Shukla (IAS), District Collector, Dudu, Rajasthan

Dr Artika Shukla is an IAS officer from the 2016 batch.In 2023, as Dudu's District Collector, Shukla led a significant campaign to eliminate plastic usage. The initiative targeted banned plastic items and emphasised responsible plastic utilisation in activities such as tile and road construction, promoting environmental consciousness and sustainable practices.

Shukla also launched an initiative called Mission Aakash (Anaemia aur Kuposhan se Suraksha) in July 2023 with an aim to achieve an anaemia-free and malnutrition-free Dudu district. For the first time, a basal screening was conducted to assess the magnitude of anaemia and malnutrition among children aged 0-6 years. The campaign focused on children aged 0-59 months, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls registered or surveyed at anganwadis. Age-specific interventions, including Iron and Folic Acid supplementation along with deworming, were implemented. Shukla is also actively working on creating a district-level platform called E-Akash for proper data maintenance under this initiative.

She holds an MBBS degree from Maulana Azad Medical College in Delhi and an MD from PGIMER, Chandigarh.

20. Tina Dabi (IAS), District Collector, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Tina Dabi is an IAS officer of the 2016 batch of Rajasthan cadre with her last posting as DC Jaisalmer, and is now on a leave.During her tenure as the District Collector of Jaisalmer, Dabi spearheaded several transformative initiatives. The 'Jaisalmer Shakti' program, focusing on women's empowerment, and the 'Swachh Jaisalmer' campaign, emphasising cleanliness and sustainability, are notable among these initiatives. Under her leadership, Jaisalmer achieved the second rank nationwide in Niti Aayog's Aspirational District Programme, reflecting the success and effectiveness of her governance strategies.

Dabi gained recognition for her role as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Bhilwara district, particularly for her innovative 'ruthless containment' model during the COVID-19 pandemic. This model received acclaim and was replicated across India.

21. Rena Jamil (IAS), Chief Executive Officer at Zila Panchayat, Balrampur Ramanujganj district, Chhattisgarh

Rena Jamil is IAS officer of the 2019 batch of Chhattisgarh cadre.During her tenure as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Sakti, Jamil played a crucial role in the successful rescue operation of Rahul, a physically and mentally challenged child who had fallen into a borewell. The rescue, completed within five days, was one of the lengthiest rescue exercises in India involving a live operation. This commendable effort received recognition and felicitation from the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Delhi incorporated it as a case study in their module.

As SDM, Rena initiated the 'Boudhik Church,' an educational program designed to raise awareness among school students about various career options and address challenges related to their education.In her role as the CEO of Zila Panchayat, Rena has spearheaded numerous environmentally friendly initiatives. Initiatives such as the 'Bartan Bank,' 'Swachhta Barriers,' and a polling station centered around the theme of 'Kabad Se Jugaad' have garnered appreciation and were featured in publications such as Swachhta Samachar and Swachh Bharat Mission - Gramin letter, published by the Department of Sanitation and Drinking Water under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

Jamil holds a Master's in Zoology and BEd from Vinoba University in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Prior to her service in the Indian Administrative Service, Jamil had qualified for the Indian Information Service in 2017.

22. Patil Pranjal Lahensingh (IAS), District Magistrate, Shahdara, Delhi

Patil Pranjal Lahensingh is an IAS officer from the 2017 batch of the Kerala cadre and now serving in the AGMUT cadre. She made history as the first visually impaired IAS officer, breaking barriers and setting an example for others. She is currently serving as the District Magistrate of Shahdara with an additional charge of Additional director (Admin), Directorate of Education, Government of NCT, New Delhi.

Previously Patil has served as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of New Delhi.Patil's academic journey is marked by resilience and resourcefulness, overcoming challenges after losing her sight at the age of six. In the face of adversity, she adopted innovative approaches to her studies, relying on specialised software that could audibly read books. Supported by her hearing aids, this method allowed her to effectively assimilate information and excel academically. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants and underscores the importance of inclusivity and diversity in public service.

23. Sreedhanya Suresh (IAS), Inspector General of Registration, Kerala

Sreedhanya Suresh is an IAS 2019 batch from the Kerala Cadre. Currently holding the position of Inspector General of Registration, Suresh also carries additional responsibilities as the Director of Samoohika Sannadha Sena and the Director of Kerala Youth Leadership Academy. Suresh is the first tribal woman from Kerala to qualify the prestigious civil services examination.

Suresh has previously held key positions including Assistant Collector in Kozhikode and Sub-Collector of Perinthalmanna. In recognition of her exceptional achievement in the civil services examination, Suresh was honored with the 'Kudumbashree Award' in 2019 by the Government of Kerala. This prestigious award acknowledged her as a role model for women and marginalised communities, highlighting her inspiring journey and the positive impact she has made.