New Delhi: You are the pioneers in the Indian Services, and the future of this service will depend much upon the foundation and traditions that will be laid down by you, by your character and abilities and by your spirit of service, said our first Home Minister Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, who transformed what we know today as Indian Civil Services! Our ‘Steel Frame’ is working continuously to build a better today and tomorrow for us. The Year 2022 saw many initiatives by officers that brought a positive change in the lives of people. Naina Jha of Bureaucrats India revisits a few such initiatives taken by our illustrious bureaucrats as well as their track records, which kept the confidence of citizens high in 2022, and keeps our hopes afloat in 2023.

Praveen Sood (IPS), DGP Karnataka

Trained at IIT, IIM and Syracuse, 1986 batch officer Sood has helmed multiple reforms and innovations in policing in Karnataka. Recipient of many awards & honours including President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2011, Sood is credited with Namma 100 as Police Commissioner of Bengaluru. Namma 100 is an “Emergency Response System” for the citizens in distress. With 100 lines managed by multilingual “Communication Officers” 24 X 7, and support of 276 Emergency Response Vehicles (Hoyasala), spread all over Bengaluru City, Sood promised every call to be picked up in 15 seconds and every scene of distress to be visited by “Hoyasala” within 15 minutes.  “Namma-100” or “My-100” was receiving, on an average, 6000 calls a day with average intervention time of 5 second and average response time of 17 minutes within 3 months of its launch.  Sood's brainchild E-Lost App was made with an aim to pursue contactless policing. Over 4 lakh people use this App for their complaints. The App helped in controlling corruption and maintaining transparency in the system. His initiative Aarogya Bharat is a universal health coverage scheme which is meant for all policemen, their families and retired cops. In a remarkable move, under his leadership, 100 per cent trials and court procedures have shifted to online mode in Karnataka. A lot of time was wasted in taking undertrials to the courts before magistrate and judges. Undertrials escaping on way to court was also a challenge. Sood has taken major initiative for better investigation and awareness for prevention of cyber crimes and is of the view that there is a need to move from e-governance to cyber governance.

Pradeep Kumar Jena (IAS), Development Commissioner & ACS, Odisha

An IAS officer of 1989 batch, Jena holds the charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Rural Development Department, Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, first disaster management authority of India and also Additional Chief Secretary, Disaster Management. In his professional career, Jena has managed 10 cyclones, seven of which has been in last four years. Every disaster, he says, requires a different level of preparedness and is best handled by creating a robust framework on four key pillars - creating an institutional framework, robust policy and planning, instilling capacities in community, and early warning dissemination and communication. Odisha’s model of disaster management is in fact being hailed globally. The World Bank had in a paper mentioned that many states can learn from Odisha’s model, and in 2022 UN World Food Programme Odisha government for its efforts to reduce poverty and disaster management capabilities. Jena is engaged in management of all aspects of disaster – response, recovery, rehabilitation, reconstruction, mitigation and adaptation. In 2022, Jena’s handling of flood response management and preparedness for Asani cyclone were highly appreciated.

Sanjay Kundu (IPS), DGP Himachal Pradesh

A Fulbright Humphrey Fellow, Sanjay Kundu is an illustrious 1989 IPS officer and has the unique distinction of having a blend of policing and administrative experiences. He has helmed critical departments including taxation, excise and vigilance in the state, besides a stint as joint secretary in water resources department at the Centre. He has also served Dy Police Commissioner in Sudan under United National. Borrowing the famous ‘Broken Window Theory’ model of New York Police Department, Kundu has customized it as broken window 2.0, introduced a slew of reforms in policing, and has replicated it not only in crime prevention but in overall criminal justice system. Under his guidance, around 50,000 CCTV cameras were installed across the state. He also started the model of Evidence Based & Predictive Policing to check crime in the state. As a result of his initiatives, the crime rates dropped by 30 per cent and all heinous crimes were stopped. In his tenure, the state has retained the first position in CCTNS - Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems for three consecutive years. For any police force, the highest recognition is the Presidential Police Colour and Himachal is India 8th state to receive this very special recognition in the country. President Colour demonstrates that the state police ranks highly in the service of humanity as well as performance, professionalism, integrity, human rights protection among others.

G P Singh (IPS), Special DGP, Assam

A highly decorated IPS officer of the 1991 batch of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Gyanendra Pratap Singh served as IG in National Investigating Agency before being despatched by MHA, GoI as Special DGP in Assam Police to contain the spiralling Anti-CAA violence. He has led an aggressive campaign against corruption, illegal weapons and drugs mafia in Assam. Under his leadership, Assam has come down heavily on trans-border drugs mafia and has cracked multiple drugs cartels. Among the many feathers in his cap is the unique distinction of making 2022 a Zero Rhino poaching Year after 45 Years. He led a special anti-rhino poaching task force of Govt of Assam.

Sanjeev Hans (IAS), CMD, Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited

An IAS officer of 1997 batch, Hans is credited with some of the most effective and enduring reforms in Bihar. As Principal Secretary of Water Resources Department, Hans is known to have played a critical role in design and execution of one of the first of its kind water lift projects in India - Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojana, under which flood water is lifted and brought to three southern Bihar districts as potable water. Under his guidance, the Bihar State Power holding Company Limited along with both

Discom companies - North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd – have made a record in revenue collection in the first six-month of the financial year 2022-23 with a collection of Rs 6,237 crore. As CMD, BSPHCL, he has transformed the Company into a highly citizen-friendly organisation with highly effective use of social media platforms for dissemination of information and grievance resolution of electricity consumers. He has advised officials to address the grievances within 24 hours. It is his meticulous planning & management that has helped Bihar to lead the country in Smart Prepaid Meter installation with more than 12 lakhs installations. At the 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries, Bihar’s feat was especially acknowledged. Hans has also initiated many programs for BSPHCL employees’ welfare. From opening a creche for children of women employees to installing sanitary vending machines inside the office premises, Hans has always given top priority to employees’ well-being.

Vijay Kumar (IPS), IG, J&K Police

A 1997 batch IPS officer, Vijay Kumar has served in J&K Police in various capacities and has successfully broken the back of terror outfit in the valley.  He is known for handling anti-militancy operations in Kashmir, anti-Maoist operations in Bastar area of Chhatisgarh and Jat agitation. Under the leadership of Kumar, 552 terrorists have been killed in J&K, out of which 172 were killed in 2022. Also, J&K saw no hartal, street violence & stone-pelting in 2022. To minimise the local support to terrorist groups, he took both punitive and preventive actions against people who supported terrorists. Kumar has received three gallantry medals from the Central government for his role in anti-terror operations. Also, he received a gallantry award from the J&K government. The Election Commission of India has awarded Kumar the National Award for his role as Chief force coordinator of CAPFs in providing safe environment for conducting assembly elections of nine states in 2018.

MC Pargaien (IFS), PCCF, Telangana

The dynamic and visionary Indian Forest Service officer of 1991 batch, MC Pargaien is currently serving as Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Telangana. He lives his professional and personal life in sync with the beauty of nature and leaves nothing unturned to contribute his bit to preserve the grandeur of nature in his official and personal capacity. His talk on ‘Telangana’s Urban Forests and Nature Parks: Better Health and Climate Change Adaptations’ was selected for the UNDP’s Nature for Life HUB-2022, under the segment ~ Nature for Development. As the first project director of Drought Prone Area Programme, Cuddapah, he involved people in adopting low-cost water harvesting structures and rejuvenation of traditional water harvesting structures under participatory models including Watershed Programmes of the Government of India. The approach of promoting low-cost water harvesting module was later also adopted in ‘Water Conservation Mission,’ a flagship mission of Andhra Pradesh. As the Divisional Forest Officer of Kaghaznagar and Paloncha, he successfully ensured and motivated local communities to participate in rehabilitation and development of degraded forests under the Joint Forest Management approach.

Devesh Chandra Srivastva (IPS), DGP, Mizoram

A 1995 batch IPS of the AGMUT cadre, Srivastva served in various capacities in the Delhi Police before assuming charge as Director General of Police in Mizoram in January 2022. In a short span he has contributed by transforming the Mizoram police into a force with humility, helpfulness, empathy and professionalism in performance of duty, especially towards senior citizens, disabled persons and women. He has also been instrumental in creating awareness against dumping of garbage on National Highways, crackdown on narcotics, cyber awareness and many capacity building programs. Earlier in Delhi Police as Joint CP, he was the nodal officer of ‘YUVA’ scheme, a novel initiative of community policing by the Delhi Police, about making the most of the talents of those who are school dropouts, juvenile offenders and victims of crimes by arming them with a set of skills which not only enhance their employability but also increase their ease of life, as they start earning money to meet their basic needs and that of their families. He is also credited with a host of other innovative policing initiatives including during Covid for large-scale awareness and extending help to citizens.

Manoj Kumar Dubey (IRAS), Director Finance, CONCOR

An Indian Railways Accounts Service officer of 1993 batch, Dubey has been a recipient of National Award for outstanding service at Minister of Railways level at 2011. He was instrumental in paving the path in Indian Railways in ushering payment of salaries through bank to almost 100 percent employees of each division he was associated with. He also automated digital payments of vendors and contractors, besides pushing e-tendering and e-auction. At Railways Board, he was instrumental in driving many innovative PPP and setting up of loco factories through PPP/FDI for Indian Railways at Maddhepur and Marhora. Dubey was in the Board of Directors of a Joint Venture Company of General Electrical of USA and IR, Alstom of France and IR, and a Joint Venture Company of NMDC, SAIL and Indian Railways. Under his leadership, CONCOR had posted a V-shaped recovery post-Covid times in FY 2022-23 with best ever revenue from operations, doubling its PAT vis-à-vis last FY to Rs. 1069 crore. He played a key role in restructuring of company from 3 tier to 2 tier command by dismantling the regional offices, bringing in sizeable savings and seamless direct monitoring of activity centres. He was instrumental in making the PSU paperless with fully automated working.

Praveen Kumar Sinha (IPS), ADGP, Cyber Crime, Punjab

A 1994 batch IPS officer, Sinha has served in critical roles in Punjab Police. As ADGP, Prisons, Punjab Police, he took some steps to rehabilitate the inmates. An exclusive radio program for prisoners was inaugurated at Central Jail in Ludhiana by Praveen Kumar Sinha. Radio systems in the prison were set up in association with the India Vision Foundation, which is a pioneer in conducting various reformatory projects in prisons. As a source of motivation, meditation and reformation, prison radio is set to change the lives of many who have, by chance or fate, landed in the prisons. His prime objective was to rehabilitate and correct the anti-social elements. Prisoners face alienation and isolation from society. So, to provide them with a conducive atmosphere and enough welfare opportunities inside the jail, this radio program will help to keep the prisoners away from the society of crime. Education & skilling of prisoners has been his focus area. He started ‘Sikhiya Daan’, where prisoners were encouraged to complete their education. He got them registered with IGNOU and National Open School. Their exam centres were inside the jail. He also collaborated with Skill India to train prison inmates in life skills like carpenter, plumbers. After their training, they were employed within the jail.

Mahesh Kumar (IFS), Consul General of India in Johannesburg, South Africa

Before he moved to this prestigious assignment, Kumar an IFS of 2008 batch served as Director Americas in the Ministry of External Affairs. He worked extensively on Covid assistance and helped mitigate the Visa crisis in wake of the pandemic. Kumar is recognized for his highly efficient handling of his responsibilities as Director of the Economic Diplomacy Division in Ministry of External Affairs. He worked on ensuring India’s trade competitiveness and exports promotion targets, besides promotion of Rupay. Kumar was also instrumental in massive outreach to foreign media as Dy Secretary Press Relations in charge of Foreign Media. This ensured widespread coverage of India’s rapid progress under PM Narendra Modi and a host of welfare and development programs by Government of India.

Sanjay Aggarwal (IAS), Secretary, Water Resources & Disaster Management Department, Government of Bihar

The 2002 batch officer has served in Bihar in many capacities. Under his leadership, the Water Resources Department Government of Bihar ensured all flood protection measures in Bihar giving relief to lakhs of people across the state. To reduce the whammy of flood in the state, he directed engineers and their teams to remove the silt from water bodies which proved to be very helpful in flood protection. He led WRD team at the Ninth Meeting of Nepal-India Joint Committee on Water Resources (JCWR) in 2022. He played a critical role in Project Gaya Ji dam. Aggarwal also played a key role in Bihar’s unique Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojana.

Sujit Kumar (IRS), Commissioner, Income Tax Appeal, Delhi

A proficient and focussed officer, Kumar is an Indian Revenue Service officer (Income Tax) of the 2001 batch. Having served in various capacities, Kumar has been instrumental in not only ensuring compliance but also contributed significantly in tax policy formulation. Having been at the helm in leading many path-breaking trash fraud and financial frauds investigations. In post 2016 tax reforms, Kumar was instrumental in providing critical inputs.

Shailaza Sharma (IAS), Additional Secretary, Road Construction Department, Government of Bihar

A Bihar-cadre IAS officer of 2013 batch, Sharma is known for her innovations, grassroots connect and design of ease of public services delivery for citizens. During her tenure as a District Magistrate of Saharsa, she implemented various e-governance initiatives of state government. Through her interventions like ‘Prashashan Aapke Dwar, she ensured people has easy and seamless access to various government services. She organised camps in each Panchayat to understand the problems of people and resolve them. In Saharsa, she got the Best District Collector Award for reducing road accidents and creating awareness about road safety.

Rahul Srivastava (PPS), Additional SP, ATS/Media Cell, UP Police

A multifaceted police officer, Srivastava has served in the UP Police in various capacities since past 19 years. From establishing the IT wing of UP Intelligence Department in 2010 to pioneering digital transformation of UP Police by launching the department on various social media platforms in 2016 to establishing a strong bulwark against fake news in the state, he has many achievements up his sleeves. He has written scripts of short stories & co-directed them featuring Bollywood celebrities on topics like cyber crime, women safety, road safety, mental health. He received a joint Commendation Letter from Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi & Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his outstanding contribution during Kumbh Mela, 2019. He is also a winner of President's Gallantry Medal. He has been awarded by FICCI Smart Policing Award for pioneering Twitter Seva, UP Police and ICN award for outstanding contribution in maintenance of law & order category through social media. He has also authored a much-acclaimed Coffee Table book on Kumbh.

Dr Pragya Jain (IPS), SP, Khanna, Punjab

The 2017-batch doctor turned bureaucrat while serving as the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone 1 of Ludhiana had cheered children and their parents, and spread positivity through a unique summer camp ‘Summer Smiles.’  It was an effort from the police to reach out to children at a young, impressionable age, inculcate reading habit, imparting new skills and at the same time introduce them to the friendly side of police. As SP Khanna, she has been instrumental in busting an international extortion and targeted-killed module operated by Amrit Bal-Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang. During her first posting as ASP Mehal Kalan, Jain was instrumental busting Agra and Mathura gang with illegal manufacturing and diversion of Pharma opoiods. Massive recovery of 3.5 crore Pharma opoids was affected in that operation with arrest of kingpin. Jain is known to have brought empathy and compassion to policing by taking care of a Down syndrome afflicted 6-year-old rape victim along with immediate arrest of culprit as ADCP Ludhiana. She also came up with several innovative community based initiatives such as BOOK NOOK a library cum reading room for under privileged children.

Dr Satyapal Singh Meena (IRS), Jt Commissioner, Income Tax

An amazingly committed person driven to transforming India’s rural landscape, Meena is an officer of the 2007 batch. His path-breaking youth campaign known as ‘Soch Badlo Gaon Badlo’ (SBGBA campaign) is run in more than 100 villages driven by the payback to the society concept. These efforts have been awarded by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, H.E. Governor of Madhya Pradesh Smt. Anandi Ben Patel, and the State Government of Rajasthan. He is also credited with transforming his native Dhanora as a model village in Rajasthan. With toilet facilities in every household well connected with the sewerage line and treatment plant, wider paved roads with plantation, solar lights, CCTV cameras, full-fledged library, community and wellness centres, information centre, meditation centre, Utthan coaching centre enabled with online teaching facility, well equipped schools, water conservation structures, Dhanora today boasts of everything only to earn the sobriquet of India’s first smart village.

Rajat Bansal (IAS), DM, BalodBazaar, Chhatisgarh

A 2012 batch officer and a BITS Pilani graduate, Bansal is incredibly innovative and passionate about people. As District Magistrate of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, he started a unique campaign called ‘Aamcho Bastar,’ which means ‘Hamara Bastar’ in Hindi. Through this unique campaign, he tried to bring people-powered development in the region by building the brand ‘Bastar.’ Similarly, his initiative Yuvodaya, a two-way community mobilization program was organised in order to bridge the gap between the administration and the citizens. Around 5000 volunteers communicate the message and the work of the district administration to the people. With the help of these volunteers, the percentage of people availing different services like education, nutrition grew manifold. To push entrepreneurship among the small start-up in the region, he started THINK-B (Technology Hub and Innovation Network for Knowledge Bastar), an innovative initiative to encourage the youth of Bastar interested in innovation, self-employment and entrepreneurship, besides providing them necessary assistance including financial, technical, managerial, and legal. Currently 18 Startups are working having turnover of Rs 5 crore and generating employment for 500+ youngsters. He also started BADAL (Bastar Academy of Dance, Art and Language) whose purpose is to protect and preserve traditions and culture of tribals. BADAL will act as a one-stop centre for people who wish to come and gain knowledge about Bastar.

Peeyush Samariya (IAS), DC, Nagaur, Rajasthan

An IITian and officer of the 2014 batch, Samariya is driven by passion for innovation. As the District Magistrate of Dausa in Rajasthan, he successfully launched the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. Under this, Samariya and his team ensured that all schools had rainwater harvesting systems at their rooftops and tanks in the basements. This helped schools to sustain water even in two or three good rainfalls. As the DM of Nagaur, he is continuously working towards making clean portable drinking water accessible to all. He successfully stopped a child marriage after receiving a wedding invitation from a juvenile boy on his WhatsApp number. The boy had called him with a request to stop this marriage as he wanted to pursue his studies. Samariya immediately sent a team to his house where they convinced the boy’s parents with the help of counselors. Parents agreed and the wedding was cancelled. This timely intervention not only won him appreciation but also helped in creating awareness on the perils of social evils like child marriage. Samariya is also credited with very deft handling of the Gurjar agitation in 2020 as Dausa DM using effective communication channels and other diligent techniques.

Raghav Sharma (IAS), DM, Una

A law graduate from National Law University, Jodhpur, this 2013 Batch IAS officer is known for his unique initiatives for women and children. As District Magistrate of Una, he started to build libraries in every sub-division where students can study and prepare for UPSC and other competitive exams. Total six libraries were built in 2022 with a capacity of 30 students. He also transformed Non-Residential Training Schools (NRST) meant for children of migrant labourers. Total 3 NRSTs have been built last year. Before these centres, students used to study in the open. However now they are beautifully designed and have basic facilities like toilet, electricity and water connection. These centres help children of slum areas to join mainstream education in nearby schools. He aims to build another 10 centres. His another initiative is promoting dragon fruit cultivation in the district to ensure crop diversification and increase income of farmers. He started with a workshop for progressive farmers in 2021 to educate them about dragon fruit cultivation and its benefits. The district administration added dragon fruit cultivation as an activity under MGNREGA.  They funded the plantation and trellis system cost for farmers. More than 5000 dragon fruit sampling had been planted in 2022 under MGNREGA and several farmers have undertaken production on their own cost also. In 2023, Una became the first district to be chosen for Dragon fruit processing factory under World Bank funded Horticulture Development program.

Tushar Sumera (IAS), DM, Bharuch, Gujarat

From being a teacher at government primary school in Gujarat to becoming an IAS in his home Gujarat cadre, the life of 2012 batch officer Sumera is an inspiration for many aspirants. Under his dynamic leadership, the District Administration of Bharuch covered 100 per cent beneficiaries in the district under four national schemes. The schemes were for widows and senior citizens. He started a drive by the name of ‘Utkarsh Pahel’ with WhatsApp helpline numbers to identify and enrol beneficiaries. With student volunteers called ‘Utkarsh Sahayaks,’ he helped beneficiaries to fill the forms. He was praised by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Utkarsh Samaroh for the same. He also initiated 'My Livable Bharuch' project in June 2022. It is a major drive for cleanliness and improvement of quality of life in Bharuch City with the help of locals and communities. In 2022, Bharuch also became the first district in the country to introduce the District Startup and Innovation Framework. This ensured that state and central governments schemes on startups were taken to youth in remote places, villages as well as tribal people. The youth are made aware of the ways of availing of the benefits of these programs, and supported.

Sakshi Sawhney (IAS), DM, Patiala, Punjab

The first female officer to hold the position of Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, Sakshi Sawhney, a 2014 batch officer, is known to be one of the most accessible and action-oriented DCs that the district has ever seen. A law graduate from NALSAR, Swahney’s many out-of-the-box initiatives have earned her admiration of people. One such campaign is Toy Donation Drive, a part of bigger Mera Bachpan project. This is aimed at bringing back the childhood of those kids who never had the opportunity to enjoy the same due to circumstances. The Patiala administration collaborated with NGO ‘Harhat Kalam’ to help make this project a success. Similarly, the district administration opened a crèche in Patiala office called Kilkaria, which is operational from 9 am to 5 pm. The program’s main motive is that working employees don’t face any issues in upbringing their children. In fact, her daughter is also enrolled in this program. It is especially for the children of the office employees. Sawhney has modeled a unique program for rehabilitation of drug users. To ensure they don’t have a relapse, the district administration organizes a free 30-day course on various skills such as carpentry, mobile repair, AC repair, etc to help them in their economic spheres of life. The rehab centre also has a library with self-motivational books, a gym, a play area for basketball, volleyball, a cricket pitch in order to develop self-discipline, self-control and the mental wellness component in the people who would visit the rehabilitation centre.

ENDS