New Delhi: Bureaucrats India is proud to celebrate 24 outstanding bureaucrats whose leadership and innovation have driven transformative change across various sectors.
 

From the seamless execution of Maha Kumbh 2025 to pioneering innovations in General Elections 2024, modernizing airports, tackling Naxal issues, expanding healthcare access, embracing AI, and strengthening law enforcement - these civil servants have set new benchmarks of excellence.
 

As in previous years, our editorial team has carefully selected these 24 Bureaucrat Changemakers of 2024 - leaders who have consistently demonstrated vision, resilience, and innovation. Their work has been instrumental in implementing government policies, improving citizen services, and addressing critical challenges in governance.
 

These bureaucrats have not only enhanced the efficiency and impact of government schemes but have also bridged the gap between the state and its citizens. Their efforts ensure that India’s development remains inclusive, forward-looking, and sustainable.
 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these exemplary public servants and acknowledge the dedication of thousands of bureaucrats across the country who work tirelessly to shape a stronger and more prosperous India.
 

1. Prashant Kumar, IPS, DGP, Uttar Pradesh

Prashant Kumar, a 1990-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as the Director General of Police (DGP) in Uttar Pradesh. He also holds the charge of Director General of the Economic Offences Wing. Throughout his career, Kumar has held several significant roles across various divisions, including law and order, intelligence, and crime control.

His leadership has been crucial in the modernisation of Uttar Pradesh's police force, with a focus on technology integration and improved policing strategies. He has overseen critical law enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing crime rates and improving public safety, including the implementation of advanced crime data analytics systems and security surveillance networks. He has successfully led campaigns against organised crime, resulting in the neutralisation of about 300 listed criminals in the state.

Recently, he successfully oversaw the execution of Maha Kumbh 2025, implementing advanced Artificial Intelligence for crowd management, ensuring seamless administration, and demonstrating exceptional crisis management to handle one of the world's largest gatherings. Kumar played a significant role in managing the impasse in the aftermath of Kheri violence in 2021, remaining on the ground until the matter was resolved. He also ensured law and order during protests against the CAA and NRC, as well as during the Ramjanmabhoomi case verdict in 2019. Before assuming his current position, Kumar served as the Additional Director General of Police (ADG) for the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Uttar Pradesh.

Kumar has extensive experience serving in the UP Police, beginning his tenure as ASP in Bareilly and Varanasi districts and later serving as SP/SSP in Bhadohi, Sonbhadra, Jaunpur, Faizabad, Barabanki, and Saharanpur districts. He also served as DIG Range in divisions such as Saharanpur, Faizabad, Mirzapur, and Meerut. Kumar, who hails from Bihar, holds a postgraduate degree in History and is a graduate of the National Defence College, New Delhi.

2. Ity Pandey, IRTS, DRM, Bhusawal Division, Maharashtra

Ity Pandey, an IRTS officer from the 1996 batch, is known for her leadership and contributions to the Indian Railways. In July 2023, she became the first woman to be appointed as the Divisional Railway Manager of the Bhusawal Division, Maharashtra. Prior to this, she served as the Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger Services) at the Central Railway Headquarters in Mumbai, where she played a key role in achieving record earnings in ticket checking and non-fare revenue during the financial year 2022-23.

As DRM, she launched 'Rudra ~ Hospital on Wheels', a mobile medical unit designed to provide accessible healthcare to over 25,000 railway employees and their families stationed in remote areas of the Bhusawal Division. Recognizing the challenges faced by staff in accessing timely medical care, Pandey spearheaded the transformation of an old 3-AC train coach into a fully equipped hospital. This mobile facility offers services including gynaecological consultations, ophthalmology services, ECG facilities, blood testing and general medical consultations. Operating on a fortnightly schedule, Rudra travels to remote locations, ensuring that railway workers and their families receive essential medical services without the need to travel long distances. 

Under her leadership New Amravati station became the first Pink Station. This involved staffing the station entirely with female personnel, including roles such as Deputy Station Superintendents, points women, RPF personnel, ticket booking staff and electric signal maintainers. The aimed at enhancing security and create a more welcoming environment for female passengers.
 

3. Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, IPS, DGP, Odisha

Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, a 1990-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, is the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha. With extensive experience in law enforcement, he has served in various key positions in the Border Security Force (BSF) and Odisha Police.

Before assuming charge as DGP, Khurania was Special Director-General, BSF Western Command, Chandigarh, overseeing border security along Pakistan. He has also held leadership roles as Special Director-General (Operations) at BSF Headquarters, IG, South Bengal Frontier; IG (Personnel); and Additional DG, Eastern Command, Kolkata. As DGP of Odisha, he has led a massive drive to seize and destroy illegal cannabis cultivation across the state. His efforts have also dealt a severe blow to Naxalism, with several operations weakening insurgent networks.

Under his leadership, Odisha Police has actively used Artificial Intelligence for criminal investigations and digital arrests, enhancing efficiency in law enforcement. His tenure has also seen several high-profile encounters targeting organised crime and extremist elements. He has successfully executed major events like the DGP Conference and Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, which have been widely appreciated at higher levels.

Khurania is a recipient of multiple honours, including the Governor’s Medal, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal, and Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak.
 

4. Manoj Pandey, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax

Manoj Pandey is Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, Directorate of Organisation and Management Services, Central Board of Taxes (CBDT), Ministry of Finance, New Delhi. Previously, he served as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. Over his distinguished career, he has held key positions in taxation, corporate affairs and financial regulation. 

Starting as Assistant/Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax in Gujarat, he later served as Deputy Director (Investigation) and Deputy Secretary at UPSC. His expertise in fiscal management led him to roles such as Director in the Department of Expenditure, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax in Patna and Delhi and Commissioner of Income Tax in Noida and Lucknow. He played a significant role in economic policy as Advisor (Joint Secretary Level) at the Competition Commission of India before moving to Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary roles in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

5. Amit Garg, IPS, Director, National Police Academy, Hyderabad

Amit Garg, an IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre (1993 batch), currently serves as the Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). With a distinguished career in law enforcement, he has extensive expertise in counterterrorism, investigations, and police reforms. Prior to this role, he also served as the Joint Director of SVPNPA, Hyderabad.

Before assuming charge as Director of the National Police Academy, Garg held several senior positions, including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in multiple regions. His notable contributions include leading anti-terror operations, managing large-scale public safety events, and heading elite police units responsible for special operations. His leadership in these areas has strengthened security measures and enhanced policing strategies across different regions.

Garg has been recognised with several prestigious awards for his exemplary service. These include the President’s Police Medal, the Indian Police Medal, the Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak, the Utkrisht Seva Padak, and the Ati-Utkrisht Seva Padak. Garg has played a key role in training and modernising Andhra Pradesh’s police force, particularly in counterterrorism, criminal investigations, and leadership development for young officers. He has been a strong advocate for reforms and the integration of new technologies in law enforcement.

6. Arti Dogra, IAS, MD, Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited

Arti Dogra is an IAS officer of the 2006 batch and Rajasthan cadre, who currently serves as Managing Director at Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited and Chairperson of the DISCOMs. Born in July 1979 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, she overcame societal prejudices associated with her height of 3 feet 2 inches, demonstrating that determination and dedication transcend physical attributes.

Her academic journey began at Welham Girls' School in Dehradun, followed by a degree in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination on her first attempt in 2006, securing an All India Rank of 56. Throughout her career, Arti has held several key positions. She served as the Managing Director of Jodhpur DISCOM, becoming the first female IAS officer to lead the Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. As the District Collector of Bikaner, she launched the Banko Bikano campaign, a community-driven initiative aimed at eradicating open defecation by promoting sanitation awareness and behavioral change. This initiative garnered recognition from both the state government and the Prime Minister's Office.

In Ajmer, as the District Election Officer, Arti implemented measures to facilitate voting for differently-abled individuals. She organized Divyang Raths and ensured the availability of wheelchairs at polling stations, resulting in approximately 17,000 differently-abled voters exercising their franchise ~ a record turnout. 

7. Madhup Tiwari, IPS, Special CP, Delhi Police

Madhup Tiwari, a 1995-batch IPS officer from the AGMUT cadre, is currently posted as Special CP in Delhi Police. Madhup is known for his extensive experience in law enforcement and administration. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, he holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Before joining the IPS, he briefly served as an Assistant Mechanical Engineer with the Indian Railways.

Throughout his career, Tiwari has held several key positions. Notably, he served as Deputy Inspector General in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he led high-profile investigations, including the Rs 6,100 crore Bank of Baroda forex scam and the Rs 45,000 crore Pearl Group ponzi scheme. In Delhi Police, he held the position of Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), overseeing critical security operations. In February 2024, Tiwari was appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Chandigarh. However, within a month, his transfer was rescinded, and he returned to his role in Delhi Police. In February 2025, he was promoted to the rank of DGP within his cadre.
 

8. Sonali Ghosh, IFS, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and CEO of the Assam Agroforestry Development Board

Sonali Ghosh is an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer (2000-2003 batch) and currently serves as the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and CEO of the Assam Agroforestry Development Board. In September 2023, she became the first woman to be appointed as the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park.

With over 23 years of experience in wildlife conservation, she has held key positions in India’s premier protected areas, including Kaziranga and Manas. She has also served as Deputy Inspector General of Forests at the Central Zoo Authority, with additional responsibilities in NTCA and the Wildlife Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Ghosh is a specialist in forestry, wildlife science, and environmental law, holding postgraduate degrees in these fields, along with a doctorate in remote-sensing technology for tiger habitat suitability in the Indo-Bhutan Manas landscape. She has contributed extensively to research, with over 35 peer-reviewed papers and three co-edited books. Her career also includes a tenure as Director, Swachh Bharat Mission, where she played a crucial role in advancing India's Open Defecation-Free (ODF) movement through behaviour change approaches. She has also been associated with UNESCO’s Centre for World Natural Heritage, strengthening global conservation efforts.
 

9. Bhanu Bhaskar, IPS, ADG Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Bhanu Bhaskar is a 1996-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is currently posted as the ADG Prayagraj zone.

Bhaskar served in various capacities within the Uttar Pradesh Police, gaining extensive experience in maintaining law and order. He was appointed as the Additional Director General of Police for the Kanpur Zone, where he oversaw police operations and initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety. In December 2022, he was transferred to serve as the ADG of the Prayagraj Zone, continuing his efforts to strengthen law enforcement in the region. During the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, he played an important role in overseeing security and crowd management for one of the world's largest religious gatherings. 

Bhaskar led decisive operations against the oil mafia in Mathura, effectively neutralizing their illicit activities. His strategic interventions disrupted the entrenched networks involved in oil pilferage and smuggling, restoring lawful operations in the region.  Concurrently, Bhaskar addressed the pervasive issue of land mafia operations in Jhansi. Under his leadership, numerous cases were registered against individuals involved in fraudulent land dealings, including the fabrication of property documents to unlawfully seize land from rightful owners. He has also served as a Joint Director in the Central Bureau of Investigation. In recognition of his exemplary service, Bhaskar has been honoured with several awards, including the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in August 2023.
 

10. Manoj Kumar Sahoo, IAS, Principal Secretary to Odisha CM

Manoj Kumar Sahoo, an IAS officer of the 2006 batch and AGMUT cadre, is currently serving as the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi. Sahoo’s diverse career has spanned various administrative roles across the state, with notable contributions in public policy, disaster management, and social welfare. Prior to his current role, he served as the Special Secretary to the Chief Minister.

A native of Singapur village under Balikuda block in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha, Sahu originally belonged to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre. In November 2024, the Centre approved his inter-cadre deputation to Odisha for a period of three years.

Before his deputation, Sahoo served as Deputy Election Commissioner from November 2022, becoming the first Odia bureaucrat to hold the position. He previously held key administrative roles, including serving as the District Magistrate of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman, as well as the Collector of West Siang and Kurung Kumey districts in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, he worked as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation in Delhi, where he played a pivotal role in the flagship Har Ghar Jal programme, a key initiative under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 

11. Shiv Kumar Mohanka, DIG, CISF

Shiv Kumar Mohanka is currently posted as DIG in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad. An expert in Aviation, Mohanka is widely respected for his expertise in aviation security. 

Previously, in his capacity as DIG and Chief Airport Security Officer (CASO) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, he played a key role in enhancing airport security and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, the best security protocol gadgets and processes were deployed at Terminal 2 of KIA. DIG Mohanka has been instrumental in coordinating the swift and secure transport of organs for transplantation. Recognizing the critical nature of timely deliveries, he ensures seamless collaboration between hospital teams, traffic police and airport authorities, guaranteeing that organs reach recipients promptly. 

Under his leadership, KIA witnessed the operationalization of India's first dedicated Express Cargo Terminal. This 200,000 sq. ft. facility, inaugurated in collaboration with customs officials and industry leaders, has significantly strengthened Bengaluru's e-commerce and cargo capabilities, streamlining the processing of international courier shipments.  Mohanka's proactive approach has been vital in positioning KIA as a leading hub for both passenger and cargo operations even as he continues to lend new dimension to security at the Hyderabad airport. Known for his special emphasis to his team to ensure help to the old, disabled and children, Mohanka has also steered many special campaigns on lost & found.

12. Shalini Agrawal, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Surat, Gujarat

Shalini Agrawal, an IAS officer of 2005 batch of the Gujarat cadre. Shalini is currently posted as Municipal Commissioner, Surat Municipal Commissioner, Gujarat. An alumnus of Rajasthan Technical University, she has held several key administrative positions in the state.

In April 2018, she was appointed as the Collector of Vadodara district, where she implemented innovative solutions to address water scarcity. She launched the 'Varsha Kal Nidhi' initiative, installing rainwater harvesting systems in 963 schools, benefiting 1.8 lakh students and conserving 10 crore liters of water annually. This project not only addressed immediate water needs but also promoted long-term sustainability and groundwater recharge.
 

13. Pranay Chaturvedi, ICLS, Registrar of Companies (RoC), National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and Haryana

Pranay Chaturvedi is an officer of the Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) who is currently serving as the Registrar of Companies (RoC) for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and Haryana. In this capacity, he has been responsible for overseeing corporate regulatory compliance and adjudicating on matters pertaining to the Companies Act, 2013.

During his tenure, Chaturvedi has imposed penalties on companies for various non-compliances. For instance, he levied a penalty on BMM Testlabs India Private Limited for a significant delay in filing Form MGT-6, which pertains to the declaration of beneficial interest in shares. Additionally, he penalized Join Pack Machines Private Limited for attaching incorrect documents with Form AOC-4, the form used for filing financial statements. In another case, he imposed a penalty on Comviva Technologies Limited for delays in transferring unspent CSR funds to a specified fund, as mandated by the Companies Act. 

Beyond his regulatory duties, Chaturvedi has engaged with the corporate community through seminars and workshops. He has addressed topics such as adjudication for defaults under the Companies Act and the role of Social Stock Exchanges, sharing insights on corporate governance and compliance.
 

14. Dr Gaurav Kumar Singh, IAS, Collector, Raipur 

Dr Gaurav Kumar Singh, a 2013 batch IAS officer, is currently posted as Collector, Raipur. As Collector, Singh established the Raipur Art Centre, a hub for cultural revival and community engagement in Raipur. The centre offers accessible space for artistic pursuits, seamlessly integrating with the existing library to attract students and youth. It provides a platform for local artists and craftsmen, fostering economic empowerment through employment opportunities. By preserving and promoting traditional art forms like ‘godna’, the centre ensures the longevity of local cultural heritage, making art accessible to all and contributing to the city's holistic development. 

During 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dr Gaurav initiated a unique voter awareness campaign titled 'Collector ki Paati'. This initiative involved over 3,000 Anganwadi workers and assistants delivering personalized postcards, penned by Dr Singh, to residents' doorsteps. Each delivery was accompanied by a traditional 'tilak' application on the recipient's forehead, symbolizing respect and cultural significance. The letter emphasized the importance of voting as both a moral responsibility and a national duty, urging citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. Singh personally delivered letters to several households, including those of senior bureaucrats and prominent community members, reinforcing the campaign's significance. 

During his tenure as the CEO of Dantewada Zila Panchayat, he introduced several initiatives that significantly impacted the Naxal-affected region. He played a crucial role in women empowerment by establishing a garment factory to provide employment to self-help groups and launching a program to train women in e-rickshaw driving. To boost financial inclusion, he made Palnar village the first cashless transaction village in the state. Recognizing the need for employment among the youth, he also established Chhattisgarh’s first BPO call center in Dantewada, creating numerous job opportunities in the region.
 

15. Satwant Khanalia, IFS, Consul General of India, Hong Kong and Macau

Satwant Khanalia is an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 2007 batch. She has held various significant positions, including assignments in the Indian Missions in Washington, DC and Paris, as well as roles within the Ministry of External Affairs, such as serving on the Nepal desk, Policy Planning & Research and as Chief of Staff to the Foreign Secretary. 

Khanalia earned a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Ludhiana and a post-graduate degree in Business Administration from the University Business School, Panjab University Chandigarh. In recognition of her exceptional performance during her training, Khanalia was awarded the EAM's Gold Medal for Best Officer Trainee in 2007. 

She is currently serving as the Consul General of India in Hong Kong and Macau. In this capacity, she has engaged in various diplomatic activities, including hosting a discussion with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise in July 2024 to discuss international cooperation and law enforcement.
 

16. Minal Karanwal, IAS, CEO, Nanded 

Minal Karanwal, a 2019-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nanded Zilla Parishad. She has been actively working in rural development, education, healthcare, and governance, implementing impactful initiatives across the district.

As CEO, she introduced ‘Balika Panchayat’ in Nanded, encouraging young girls to participate in local governance. She also launched a heartwarming initiative to support education, requesting well-wishers to donate school supplies instead of bouquets. Since 22 July 2024, these contributions have been directly distributed to students in Zilla Parishad schools.

Prior to this role, Karanwal served as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in multiple districts, where she focused on poverty alleviation and social welfare. In Nandurbar, she pioneered the Vedh Movement, an innovative self-learning model aimed at enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy in ashram schools. Karanwal holds a degree in Economics and is recognised for her innovative approach to governance, using community-driven solutions to drive education reform and rural development.
 

17. Tushaba Dasrathrao Shinde, IRPS, Director in the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Delhi

Tushaba Dasharathrao Shinde is an Indian Railway Personnel Service officer of 2008 batch. Over the years, he has held key positions such as Assistant Personnel Officer (HRD/PRO) and Divisional Personnel Officer in the South-Central Railway's Nanded Division. Later, as Senior Divisional Personnel Officer in the Bhusawal and Pune divisions of the Central Railway, he managed human resources for over 45,000 staff and pensioners, leading several innovative staff welfare initiatives.

In May 2024, Shinde was appointed as Director in the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Delhi, where he is responsible for overseeing administrative reforms and public grievance redressal at the national level. His contributions to digital transformation in HR management have earned him multiple accolades, including the Railway National Award 2020 for implementing the Human Resource Management System in the Pune Division and the Principal Chief Personnel Officer Award (2016) for developing digital modules for promotions and compassionate appointments. During his tenure, his divisions consistently won the General Manager’s Efficiency Shield for best personnel management performance.

Beyond his administrative contributions, Shinde is also an author, having written books like 'How to Choose A Successful Career' and 'Mission Karmayogi - An Indian Railway Report', providing guidance to young professionals and insights into the workings of Indian Railways.

18. Megha Bhardwaj, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Koderma, Jharkhand

Megha Bhardwaj, a 2016-batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Koderma district in Jharkhand. As DC Koderma, she has been actively involved in various developmental initiatives aimed at improving the district's infrastructure, healthcare and public services.

An alumnus of St Xavier’s College, Ranchi, she also pursued a master's degree in Zoology from Delhi University. Throughout her career, Megha has held various significant positions, including roles as SDO in Hazaribagh and DDC in Palamu. Bharadwaj is the first woman to hold the position of DDC Palamu in over fifty years. In this capacity, she focused on implementing government schemes effectively, emphasizing transparency and efficiency in public administration. Additionally, as the Joint Secretary in the Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare Department of Jharkhand, Bhardwaj played a critical role in formulating policies to improve healthcare delivery across the state. 
 

19. Abhinav Pratap Singh, IPoS, Private Secretary to the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Govt of India

Abhinav Pratap Singh, an officer of the Indian Postal Service (2011 batch), is currently serving as Private Secretary to the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India. He has previously held key roles, including Private Secretary to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Deputy Secretary (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) in the Ministry of Culture, and Director (Post Bank of India) in the Department of Posts.

As Director (Post Bank of India), he oversaw the regulatory functions of the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a government-owned scheduled payments bank focused on last-mile digital financial inclusion. He was involved in policy formulation, alliances, and engagements to integrate financial technology with the extensive postal network, ensuring wider access to banking services. Before joining the civil services, Singh worked as a Senior Software Engineer at Tejas Networks, developing system software for network switches and routers. He holds an M.Tech in Optoelectronics & Optical Communications from IIT Delhi and an M.Sc in Physics from JNU, New Delhi.
 

20. Navin Jhakhar, ITS, Director (AI & Digital Intelligence Unit), Department of Telecommunications, Governement of India 

Naveen Jakhar is an Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS) officer (2014 batch), currently serving as Director (AI & Digital Intelligence Unit) in the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. He is responsible for the conceptualisation and nationwide rollout of the Sanchar Saathi portal, a digital intelligence platform enhancing security and fraud prevention in India's telecom sector.

He has designed and implemented ASTR, a proactive digital intelligence tool that has led to the disconnection of 75 lakh fake SIMs, blacklisting of 71,000 PoS, and 365 FIRs, significantly curbing cybercrime. His other key initiatives include the Covid-19 Quarantine Alert System (CQAS), which was deployed across 18 states/UTs, tracking 37 lakh individuals and detecting 21 crore quarantine breaches. He also developed a real-time location engine for monitoring oxygen transportation during the second wave of COVID-19, ensuring the smooth movement of 42,000 oxygen trucks carrying 5.3 lakh metric tonnes of medical oxygen.

Jakhar has a strong background in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, IoT, and network security, holding multiple certifications in these areas. He has authored 30+ research papers in international and national journals on AI, telecom, and cybersecurity. Before joining the government, he worked as a Senior Design Engineer at NXP (Freescale Semiconductors), specialising in VLSI design, SoC architecture, and autonomous driving systems. His work has been recognised in the National e-Governance Compendium and highlighted as an innovation in public administration, reflecting his contributions to citizen-centric and national security initiatives.
 

21. Surendra Kumar Meena, IAS, DC, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal

Surendra Kumar Meena, an IAS officer of the 2011 batch (West Bengal cadre), has worked extensively in education and social welfare. In his current posting as the District Collector of Uttar Dinajpur, he has launched Gyanalay, an initiative to improve primary education. The project aimed to modernise schools with better infrastructure, interactive learning, and equal access to education. As a result, 100 model schools were established, improving literacy rates in the district.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meena travelled to remote areas near the Bhutan border with healthcare workers to ensure vaccine delivery. Earlier, as District Magistrate of Alipurduar, he introduced Saksham Dooars, a scheme to support persons with disabilities. It provided assistive aids, upgraded infrastructure in special schools and hostels, and introduced a system for delivering disability certificates at home along with a monthly stipend. Meena’s work focuses on improving public services and making governance more accessible.
 

22. Dr Navlendra Kumar Singh, DANICS, Special Director, Department of Women & Child Development, GNCTD
 

Dr. Navlendra Kumar Singh is a senior civil servant from the Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli Civil Services (DANICS). He currently serves as Special Director, Department of Women & Child Development, GNCTD, and Registrar, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi.

Dr Singh has completed his Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. He has held key administrative positions in Delhi and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, contributing to social welfare, transportation, rural development, and tribal welfare.

He has served as Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in three districts of Delhi, focusing on law enforcement, public administration, and crisis management. In Andaman & Nicobar, he led multiple departments, including Social Welfare, Transport, Civil Supply, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, and Tribal Welfare, driving reforms in these sectors. Under his leadership, the region won the 1st Award for Best Green Initiative in India, achieved improved mileage for buses, and ensured uninterrupted supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Delhi, as Joint Director, Social Welfare, he implemented welfare schemes for vulnerable groups. As Joint Commissioner, Transport, he introduced lane driving for buses and digitised RTO services, reducing malpractices and improving efficiency.
 

23. Nazuk Kumar, IAS, DC, Aizawl, Mizoram
 

Nazuk Kumar, an IAS officer from the 2016 batch, is currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Aizawl, Mizoram. Kumar completed her Bachelor of Technology in Textile Technology from IIT Delhi in 2013, followed by a postgraduate degree in Public Management. 

She began her career as an Assistant Commissioner in Delhi, later serving as the Additional Deputy Commissioner in Chandigarh. She also held the position of Director for Higher & Technical Education in Aizawl, where she worked on improving educational standards. 

As the Director of Higher & Technical Education in Aizawl, she was responsible for managing and upgrading government colleges across Mizoram, implementing the National Education Policy 2020, and overseeing various educational institutes, including polytechnics and nursing colleges. Additionally, she managed the budgeting and expenditure for the entire department.

In Chandigarh, Kumar served as Additional Deputy Commissioner and Special Secretary for Technical Education between November 2020 and October 2021. In these roles, she was responsible for COVID disaster management, law and order, and program implementation. She also managed the functioning of engineering colleges, industrial training institutes, and polytechnics. As Director of Information Technology, she introduced 100% online service books and e-filing for employees, launched digital payment systems for traffic violations and established an Innovation Hub to promote entrepreneurship.

24. Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, JKPS, SSP, Srinagar 

Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, an officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Service, belongs to the 1999 batch. In August 2024, he was appointed as the Senior Superintendent of Police for Srinagar.

Throughout his career, SSP Mir has been recognized for his dedication to maintaining law and order in challenging circumstances. His leadership in Srinagar has played a crucial role in addressing security concerns and fostering community trust. In January 2025, in acknowledgment of his exemplary service, SSP Mir was promoted to the Super Time Scale (Level 13A) of the JKPS. He was awarded with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services in August 2024.


BI Bureau