From IIT Madras to SSC Chairman: The Distinguished Administrative Journey of IAS Officer S. Gopalakrishnan
S. Gopalakrishnan was born on March 10, 1969. He is a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), belonging to the 1991 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre. With over three decades of administrative experience, he has held numerous key positions in both the Central and State governments, making significant contributions to the fields of public policy, administrative reform, development management, and human resource administration. He possesses an impressive academic record. He earned a B.Tech. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, which provided him with a technical and analytical perspective. Subsequently, he completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Development Studies from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where he undertook in-depth study of subjects such as development economics, social policy, and global development. Later, he obtained an MBA in Public Policy Management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), further strengthening his expertise in public administration, policy formulation, and leadership. Throughout his administrative career, S. Gopalakrishnan has served in various high-ranking positions, including Director General, Special Secretary, Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, Principal Secretary, Commissioner, Managing Director, and District Collector. In these roles, he demonstrated administrative efficiency, a commitment to good governance, and the effective implementation of people-centric policies. His outstanding work has been recognized at both national and state levels. He has received various honors for his remarkable achievements in population management and district administration, including the ‘Best Collector’ award. Currently, S. Gopalakrishnan serves as the Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in New Delhi, a role he assumed on November 1, 2024. In this capacity, he leads the conduct of transparent, fair, and efficient recruitment processes for various services and departments of the Government of India. In terms of linguistic proficiency, they are equally adept in English, Hindi, and Tamil, which enables them to communicate effectively across diverse administrative and social settings.
IAS Kavita Meena: How a Station Master’s Daughter Became Hapur’s District Magistrate
Kavita Meena, a 2016-batch IAS officer, is a distinguished and meritorious officer currently serving as the District Magistrate and Collector of Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. She assumed office as the District Magistrate of Hapur on April 21, 2026. She secured an All-India Rank of 50 in the Civil Services Examination. Kavita hails from the Dausa district of Rajasthan. Kavita Meena comes from a highly inspiring background. She was born on August 16, 1991, in the Dausa district of Rajasthan. Her father, who worked as a Station Master with the Indian Railways, took voluntary retirement to ensure his daughter could pursue her dreams and complete her education without any obstacles. Prior to her role as the District Magistrate of Hapur, Kavita Meena served as the Vice-Chairperson of the Muzaffarnagar Development Authority and as the Chief Development Officer of Bahraich. She completed her graduation in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. As the District Magistrate of Hapur, she frequently garners attention for conducting surprise inspections and making prompt administrative decisions. Earlier, during her tenure at the Muzaffarnagar Development Authority, she had taken several strict measures to crack down on illegal colonies and unauthorized constructions.
‘Singham’ IAS Officer Tukaram Mundhe Back in Action: Surprise FDA Raids Spark Public Praise Across Maharashtra
Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, who has been transferred 25 times during his 21-year career, is once again in the spotlight. Appointed as the FDA Commissioner by the Maharashtra government in the first week of June, he immediately launched a fresh wave of raids and strict enforcement drives against adulterators and the illegal drug trade. He has clearly stated that this campaign is not directed at any specific individual but is a well-planned move to safeguard public health, and that honest businesses have no reason to fear it. Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe currently serves as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra. He is renowned for his strict stance against corruption and his disciplined approach. Prior to assuming the role of FDA Commissioner in June, he had undergone transfers in March and April as well; these marked his 24th and 25th transfers, moving him from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to the Revenue Department. Since taking charge as FDA Commissioner, he has initiated surprise inspections and stringent enforcement actions across the state, earning him widespread praise from the general public and on social media. His work style has led to comparisons with Haryana’s famous IAS officer Ashok Khemka. Due to his bold and uncompromising style, Mundhe is often referred to as “Singham” and the “Man of Mission.” He is known for refusing to yield to political pressure and for taking direct action against the sand mafia, land mafia, and corrupt officials. Tukaram Mundhe was born on June 3, 1975, in Tadsona village, Beed district, Maharashtra. He hailed from a very humble background. He received his early education at a Zilla Parishad school before moving to Aurangabad for higher studies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Political Science. After clearing the UPSC examination in 2005, he became an IAS officer. His first posting as an IAS officer was in Solapur, where he immediately crippled the mafia by conducting continuous raids on illegal liquor dens, shooting to fame overnight.
Transferred 57 Times, Never Compromised: The Anti-Corruption Crusade of IAS Officer Ashok Khemka
Ashok Khemka, a senior administrative officer in the Indian state of Haryana, is an IAS officer who has been transferred 57times throughout his career. He was born on April 30, 1965, in Kolkata, the capital of the northeastern state of Bengal. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in 1988 and obtained a PhD in Computer Science as well as an MBA from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai. A 1991-batch IAS officer, Khemka has exposed corruption across various departments. Serving in his home cadre of Haryana, he has faced frequent transfers by successive state governments, having been transferred 57 times over a span of 34 years. In Haryana, Khemka was transferred repeatedly whenever a new government took office. The longest tenure of his career was a 15-month stint as Director of the Department of Labour, Employment, and Training. He frequently expressed his displeasure with the government through the media regarding these constant transfers. Dr. Khemka was transferred multiple times during the Bansi Lal-led government. Under the leadership of Om Prakash Chautala, he was transferred nine times in five years. He also faced multiple transfers during the Congress government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Subsequently, during the BJP government led by Manohar Lal Khattar, he was transferred another six to seven times. During his career, Dr. Ashok Khemka also received death threats. He was threatened with death after taking action regarding suspicious land deals between Robert Vadra—son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi—and the real estate company DLF; a complaint regarding this was lodged with the Panchkula police by K.R. Sharma, a Chief Manager at HSD. Dr. Ashok Khemka was honored with the Jindal Prize in 2011 for his crusade against corruption. Additionally, he received a cash award of ₹10 lakh, shared with Sanjiv Chaturvedi, in recognition of his determined efforts to expose corruption in high places. Ashok Khemka retired on April 30, 2025. He was serving as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department at the time, and it was from this position that he retired.
Uttarakhand Administrative Shake-Up: Kishan Singh Rawat Gets Key Role as 29 IAS and PCS Officers Reassigned
Kishan Singh Rawat is counted among the experienced PCS officers of the Uttarakhand administration. He has been entrusted with additional administrative responsibilities as part of a major administrative reshuffle recently undertaken by the state government. This decision aims to enhance the effectiveness of the administrative system and foster better coordination among various departments. This extensive reshuffle, carried out with the Governor’s approval, involved changes to the responsibilities of 10 PCS officers and several IAS officers. As part of this process, Ashish Chauhan was appointed as the new District Magistrate of Dehradun, while other officers were assigned new roles in various key departments. The new responsibilities assigned to Kishan Singh Rawat are viewed as a significant step towards strengthening the state’s administrative framework. These changes are intended to accelerate operations in critical sectors—such as revenue, civil supplies, disaster management, and regional development—and ensure the speedy resolution of public-interest matters. The government expects this administrative restructuring to improve departmental functioning and enable the delivery of better services to the general public.
Administrative journey of young IAS officer Prateek Jain
Prateek Jain, a 2018 batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, is known for his courageous disaster management, people-centric administrative work, and direct engagement with the public. He is prominently included among the youngest District Magistrates of Uttarakhand, having passed the UPSC exam at the age of just 25. During his tenure, he has cultivated a recognizable public image. Born on July 25, 1993, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, he received his primary education at St. Stephen’s School, Ajmer, and higher education from British Pilani, where he earned a BA (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Biological Sciences. He also earned an MA in Public Management from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. In 2016, he passed the Union Public Service Commission’s Forest Service examination on his first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 3. He trained as an IFS officer for approximately a year. In 2017, he passed the Civil Services Examination on his second attempt, achieving an All India Rank of 3. He became an IAS officer of the 2018 batch of the Uttarakhand cadre. He served as the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag from 2025 to February 2026, during which he conducted a foot inspection of the Kedarnath Yatra arrangements, a video of which went viral on social media. From February 2026 to February 2026, he also served as the Managing Director of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. In 2026, he was appointed as the GST Commissioner and Inspector General of Registration and Stamp Duty of Uttarakhand. Prior to this, he held positions such as MD of SIDCUL, Director General of Industries, Chief Development Officer of Haridwar, and Deputy Collector/SDM of Nainital. His work has impressed people, and he has received overwhelmingly positive, respectful, and emotional reactions on social media. Among the people of Rudraprayag, Pratik Jain maintains a reputation as a public servant and a role model for youth. He is remembered with respect for his public welfare work and commendable transparency. Key Responsibilities Achievements
N. Muruganandam: The Strategic Bureaucrat Steering Tamil Nadu’s Administration as Its 50th Chief Secretary
N. Muruganandam, a 1991-batch IAS officer, serves as the 50th Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu. With over three decades of experience in the administrative service, he is known for his calm working style, meticulous planning, and result-oriented leadership. During his tenure as Collector in key districts such as Coimbatore, Karur, and Chennai, he demonstrated administrative efficiency and successfully implemented development-oriented policies. Career Throughout his career, Muruganandam has led strategic departments including Industries, Finance, and Investment Promotion. Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, he accelerated investment activities in the state and played a pivotal role in finalizing several major industrial investment agreements. Successive governments have consistently placed their trust in him due to his pragmatic approach and policy-making acumen. As Finance Secretary, he spearheaded the formulation and effective implementation of several key schemes focused on the economic empowerment of women, the expansion of higher education, and social welfare. His policies contributed significantly to delivering government assistance to millions of beneficiaries. An advocate of participatory governance and a long-term strategic vision, Muruganandam initiated various reforms aimed at increasing enrollment in higher education, simplifying administrative processes, and improving the quality of public services. His leadership qualities and administrative experience place him among the most respected officers in Tamil Nadu’s bureaucracy. Education
Deepshikha Sharma: The Tech-Savvy IAS Officer Driving Transparent Governance and Sustainable Development in Ferozepur
Deepshikha Sharma is a 2015-batch IAS officer (Punjab cadre) currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Ferozepur. Since assuming office on September 13, 2024, she has focused intensely on making the administration more transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric. With a background in Electronics and Communication Engineering, she is known for integrating technology and data-driven governance into effective administrative practices. As the head of the district administration, she has accorded top priority to disaster management and public safety. Her proactive monitoring, swift decision-making, and coordinated strategies during situations such as flood threats and rising water levels have strengthened the relief and rescue mechanisms. Under her leadership, the administration has emphasized advance preparedness to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of vulnerable areas. She has also made significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources. She has promoted scientific water planning and sustainable agricultural practices, while fostering groundwater and aquifer management through initiatives like NAQUIM 2.0. Her objective has been to devise long-term solutions to water-related challenges and encourage farmers to optimize resource utilization. She has played a pivotal role in environmental conservation and the strengthening of democratic processes. To tackle the issue of stubble burning, she facilitated coordination among various departments, farmers, and experts; simultaneously, in the realm of election administration, she oversaw activities such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to ensure the accuracy and transparency of electoral rolls. Her working style exemplifies an effective balance between development, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Govind Mohan: From IIT BHU and IIM Ahmedabad to India’s Home Secretary
Govind Mohan (born September 21, 1965) is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Sikkim cadre, currently serving as the Home Secretary of India since August 23, 2024. He was born in Uttar Pradesh. His father served as a Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department. Mohan received his early education at St. Joseph’s College and St. Francis College in Uttarakhand, completing his schooling in March 1982. Subsequently, he pursued a B.Tech degree at IIT BHU, studying there from July 1982 to March 1986. He went on to complete his MBA at IIM Ahmedabad, studying from July 1986 to March 1988. Throughout his administrative career, Govind Mohan has held several significant positions. Prior to becoming the Home Secretary, he served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Additionally, he served as a Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as a Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs within the Ministry of Finance. Mohan has also served as a Divisional Head for Union Territories and held the position of Principal Resident Commissioner for the Government of Sikkim.
T. V. Somanathan: The Technocrat Steering India’s Top Bureaucratic Office
Dr. T.V. Somanathan serves as the Cabinet Secretary of India, holding the highest-ranking civil service position within the Government of India. An officer of the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the Tamil Nadu cadre, Dr. Somanathan is regarded as one of the country’s most competent and efficient technocrat-bureaucrats. Through his administrative acumen, economic insight, and policy perspective, he has made significant contributions at both the central and state government levels. Born on May 10, 1965, Dr. Somanathan earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Calcutta and completed an Executive Development Program at the Harvard Business School. Additionally, he holds prestigious professional qualifications as a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary. He secured the second rank at the All-India level in the 1987 IAS batch and was awarded a Gold Medal for being the Best Probationer. Throughout his extensive administrative career, Dr. Somanathan has held numerous pivotal positions. Prior to his current role, he served as the Finance Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Expenditure, where he played a crucial role in maintaining fiscal discipline and managing public finance. As a Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, he also contributed to the formulation of national policies. Furthermore, he has served as a Financial Economist and Director of Corporate Affairs at the World Bank Group. In Tamil Nadu, he rendered distinguished service as the Founding Managing Director of the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, and later as the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Commercial Taxes during the implementation of the GST.