IAS Swati S. Bhadauria Balances Strict Action with Social Compassion The Multi-Faceted Governance
Swati Shrivastava Bhadauria, a 2012 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Uttarakhand District, was born on August 23, 1987, in Uttar Pradesh. She successfully passed the Union Public Service Commission’s Civil Services Examination, securing the 74th rank. She currently serves as the District Magistrate of Pauri Garhwal. Since January 2022, she has served as Additional Secretary in the Office of the Governor of Uttarakhand. Previously, she has held positions such as Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, District Collector, Magistrate, and Joint Secretary. She holds a B.Tech in Electronics from the Uttar Pradesh Technical University and a certificate course in French language from the French University in Dehradun. Before joining the administrative service, she also worked for the Reserve Bank of India for approximately six months. Initially, she served in the Chhattisgarh District, after which she was transferred to the Uttarakhand District in 2015, where she also served as SDM in Mussoorie and Dehradun. She also served as the District Magistrate of Chamoli district from 2018 to 2021, during which she demonstrated commendable transparency and public welfare in the remote areas. In June 2025, in a major reshuffle, she was appointed as the District Magistrate of Pauri district. Swati Bhadoria is known for her transparent work, quick decision-making, and humane approach to connecting directly with the public. Key Works During the Ibhisen Glacier Disaster in Chamoli in February 2021, she was on the front lines, successfully managing relief and rescue operations. Her efficient disaster management, including rescuing workers trapped in a tunnel and promptly delivering aid to affected villages, was praised nationwide. To increase public confidence in the government system, while posted in Chamoli, she enrolled her son in a local Anganwadi center instead of an expensive private school. Her simple gesture made headlines nationwide and set a unique example of breaking the VIP culture. She initiated the Panch Badri Prasadam project, employing local self-help groups to prepare official Prasadam containing incense sticks and holy water, using locally sourced herbs to make them self-reliant. She also implemented the Bachpan project, advocating for the modernization and equipping of Anganwadi centers for the nutrition and better mental development of her fellow children. In 2026, during the intense heat wave in Pauri district, she conducted a surprise inspection of the Water Supply Department office following complaints of water shortages. She immediately took strict action against a fellow junior engineer for resting at home while on duty, leading to a resentment among the entire staff. Considering the difficult geographical conditions of the mountainous region, she strengthened the digital complaint tracking system and the CM Helpline Monitoring Cell so that villagers do not have to rush to the district headquarters for minor problems. Awards and Honors While serving as District Magistrate in Chamoli, she effectively implemented river conservation, plastic waste management, and cleanliness campaigns at the grassroots level under the “Namami Gange Mission” and was honored by the Central Government with the country’s most prestigious award in the field of public administration. To empower women in Uttarakhand and strengthen self-help groups, she initiated the “Panch Badri Prasadam project”, which improved the income of hundreds of local women.
Gaurav Kumar’s Rise in Administration: From UPSC Success to Steering Governance in Chamoli District
Born on December 3, 1985, Gaurav Kumar is a 2017-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belonging to the Uttarakhand cadre. He has carved a distinct niche for himself in the state administration through his hard work, administrative competence, and a work ethic dedicated to the public interest. Currently, he serves as the District Magistrate (DM) of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, a crucial responsibility he has been discharging since October 12, 2025. Academically, Gaurav Kumar has a background in science; he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Physics from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. His scientific education fostered analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a logical approach—qualities that proved invaluable in his administrative career. It was during his higher education that he set his sights on the civil services; through sheer hard work, he succeeded in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination and secured a place in the Indian Administrative Service. Early in his administrative career, he gained a close understanding of the nuances of governance and administration while serving in various key positions. Roles such as Assistant Secretary, Assistant Collector, and Executive Magistrate saw him play a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, managing revenue administration, and effectively implementing development schemes. Subsequently, as an Additional Secretary, he contributed to the execution of various government programs and policies. A notable chapter in Gaurav Kumar’s administrative journey was his tenure as the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Agastyamuni. During this period, he undertook commendable work in rural development, the expansion of infrastructure, and the successful implementation of public welfare schemes. In recognition of his outstanding performance and administrative efficiency, he was awarded the DM Medal—a testament to his dedication and leadership capabilities. As District Magistrate, Gaurav Kumar prioritizes development initiatives, disaster management, public grievance redressal, administrative transparency, and good governance. Working in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, he has strived to strike a balance between development and public service. His work style clearly reflects accountability, sensitivity, and a commitment to result-oriented administration. Today, Gaurav Kumar is counted among those young administrative officers who are upholding the dignity of the Indian Administrative Service through their commitment, leadership qualities, and dedication to the public interest.