Rachita Juyal: The IPS Officer Who Cleared UPSC in Her First Attempt
Rachita Juyal, a former Indian Police Service officer of the 2015 batch of the Uttarakhand cadre, passed the UPSC exam on her first attempt. She served as Superintendent of Police (Vigilance). She was born in Dehradun. Her father, B.D. Juyal, was an inspector in the police department, and her grandfather, J.P. Juyal, was also a police officer, who inspired her to join the police service from an early age. She received her primary education from Carbon School in Dehradun, and her higher education, including a BBA and MBA, from a private university. She then began preparing for the UPSC CSE 2014, securing an all-India rank of 215, becoming an IPS officer.During her 10-year tenure, she held several important positions, including Superintendent of Police (Vigilance), and resigned from her post in 2015. She is primarily known for her strict action against corruption and impartial investigations of high-profile cases. Known for her active involvement in social causes and social service, she has been honored several times at the local level for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and on a regular basis through various NGOs. Her main works: Haridwar Municipal Corporation Land Scam This has been the most controversial case of her career. Rachita Juyal was appointed to lead a five-member special vigilance team formed on the instructions of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Following an impartial investigation, she suspended two IAS officers, one PCS officer, and approximately 12 other government officials and employees. The investigation resulted in the cancellation of land claims related to the scam and the recovery of any losses to the government treasury. Crackdown on corruption within the police department. While serving as Vigilance Superintendent of Police, she took action against corrupt elements within the police department, catching the Dehradun ISBT outpost in-charge red-handed while accepting bribes and sending him to jail. This strong action was widely discussed in the court circles. Cyber Crime and Safety of Devotees During the Char Dham Yatra, she launched a campaign against cybercriminals who were duping pilgrims from India and abroad under the guise of helicopter tickets and tour packages. Under her direction, the Uttarakhand Police blocked more than 37 fake social media platforms and fake websites that were defrauding devotees by posing as IRCTC. Administrative and Regional Appointments She also served as ADC to the Governor of Uttarakhand, where she handled important protocol and administrative tasks for the Governor. She held the positions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts like Almora and Bageshwar, where she focused on strengthening local law and order and women’s safety.
From Maharashtra to Uttarakhand: IPS Akshay Konde’s Inspiring Journey of Service and Sacrifice
IPS Akshay Prahlad Konde is one of the young and energetic officers of the Uttarakhand Police, having joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) as part of the 2018 batch. He is known for his calm demeanor, professional work style, and a sensitive approach towards law and order. He secured his place in the IPS after clearing the prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and is currently counted among the key officers of the Uttarakhand cadre. Early Life and Education Akshay Prahlad Konde hails from Maharashtra. From childhood, he maintained an interest in understanding society and the administrative system alongside his academic pursuits. He completed both his early and higher education in Maharashtra. The UPSC Journey Akshay Konde cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2017, leading to his induction into the Indian Police Service (IPS) in the 2018 batch. Initially allotted the Tripura cadre, he was later transferred to the Uttarakhand cadre on the grounds of marriage. This inter-cadre transfer was effected in August 2020 through a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Police Service Journey After completing his training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, he undertook various responsibilities within the Uttarakhand Police. Key responsibilities held during his career include: In every role, he placed special emphasis on maintaining law and order, ensuring road safety, controlling crime, and fostering better communication with the general public. His administrative competence and leadership qualities led to his posting in a district like Rudraprayag, which holds significant religious importance and is considered a sensitive area. Akshay Prahlad Konde’s wife, Akansha Konde (née Akansha Verma), is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2018 batch, serving in the Uttarakhand cadre. Akshay Konde’s cadre was transferred from Tripura to Uttarakhand following their marriage. Work Style Akshay Konde’s work style reflects a balance between discipline and sensitivity. He views policing not merely as a means to enforce the law, but as a way to build trust within society. His priorities included— His administrative role has been particularly significant in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, which hosts the Char Dham Yatra and other major religious events.
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.
DM Gaurav Kumar Swiftly Defused the Karnaprayag Crisis..
IAS Gaurav Kumar is currently serving as the District Magistrate of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. He assumed office on October 12, 2025. Prior to this, he served as the Block Development Officer and Additional Secretary of August Muni. He is known for his ground-level understanding, result-oriented work style, and sensitive administrative approach. He was born on December 3, 1985 in Uttar Pradesh. He holds a BSc and MSc in Physics from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. He also completed a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Jawaharlal Nehru University between 2017 and 2019. After clearing the UPSC Civil Services exam, he worked for over 10 years as a Health Physicist at the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited in Rawatbhata before joining the Uttarakhand Kadar 2017 batch. Acclaimed Career and Key Positions Experienced in revenue, judicial, and regulatory functions early in his career. He received considerable local acclaim for his outstanding development work at the grassroots level. Before becoming the District Magistrate of Chamoli, he served as Additional Secretary in various state-level policy-making departments. Officially assumed the position of District Magistrate of Chamoli on October 12, 2025. Key Tasks In June 2026, when tensions arose between two groups over a parking dispute in Karanprayag, he immediately invoked Section 163 of the CrPC before the situation escalated. He also took strict measures to prevent any religious or communal comments on social media and restored harmony in the area by convening a peace committee. He is also known for directly inspecting work in the field. In January 2026, he conducted a foot and field inspection of the beautiful Niti Valley along the China border, where he directly interacted with local villagers amid snowfall and difficult conditions, addressing their problems on the spot. He has strengthened infrastructure in the hilly and strategically important district of Chamoli and has established direct coordination with local displaced families and officials to resolve pending issues related to infrastructure, roads, and power transmission projects like Pitkul in the district. Chamoli district is highly vulnerable to disasters and is home to the famous Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib. During the pilgrimage season, he personally monitors the safety of pilgrims, traffic management, and the disaster control room. Awards and Honors Recognized for his outstanding work in implementing rural development schemes and ensuring effective groundwork while serving as Block Development Officer in August Muni Block, Rudraprayag district. Special recognition from the public for personally touring the Niti Valley on foot in sub-freezing temperatures to address local residents’ problems on the spot.
SSP Ajay Singh Initiated Financial Inquiries Against Dehradun’s Drug Mafia..
Ajay Singh is a 2014 batch Indian Police Service officer of the Uttarakhand cadre. He currently serves as the Senior Superintendent of Police of the Uttarakhand Special Task Force. He previously served as the Superintendent of Police of Dehradun from September 2023 to February 2026. In 2018, he was promoted from the State Police Service to the IPS. In February 2026, the Uttarakhand government transferred 20-year-old police officers to strengthen law and order. As part of this reshuffle, Ajay Singh was assigned to the STF, and IPS officer Parminder Singh Doval was appointed the new SP of Dehradun. Regarding his schooling, he completed his intermediate education in his home state. After obtaining an engineering degree, he passed the Provincial Police Service exam and joined the police force as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in 2005. Based on his excellent work and experience, he received a promotion in 2018 and was allocated the 2014 batch IPS cadre. Major Tasks During his previous tenure with the Special Task Force (STF), he exposed the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (SSSC) recruitment exam scam. Under his leadership, the STF took a tough stand in this high-profile case, arresting and jailing over 54 accused of cheating mafia. While serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Dehradun and Haridwar, he launched major campaigns such as the Drug Trust and surgical strikes against the sale of illegal narcotics at medical stores, under the Chief Minister’s vision of a Drug-Free Devbhoomi. He also organized a Saturday Chaupal in police stations to gather direct feedback from the public and dismantle the drug network by keeping the names of complainants confidential. After taking charge of Dehradun, he initiated operations, conducting extensive checking to apprehend all criminals and suspects who had come from other states without verification or with fake documents. He took strict action against land fraud and active land mafias and provided relief to those affected by illegal encroachments. He emphasized the need for a friendly police attitude towards the general public by ensuring prompt hearing of complaints at police stations. He was also honored with the FICCI Smart Policing Award in New Delhi for his efforts in excellent policing and traffic improvement. Honors and Awards He was specially honored by the State Government and the Chief Minister with the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Service Medal for his historic and impartial action as the Chief of the Special Task Force (STF) in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission paper leak and recruitment exam scam.
Pramendra Singh Dobal (IPS): An Experienced and Diligent Officer of the Uttarakhand Police
Pramendra Singh Dobal is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer belonging to the 2018 batch, having been inducted into the service through promotion from the Uttarakhand State Police Service (SPS). He is currently working as SSP in Dehradun. He is counted among those Uttarakhand Police officers who attained IPS status based on their outstanding service record following a long tenure in the state police force. He has held senior leadership roles within the Uttarakhand Police, and his working style regarding law and order maintenance, crime control, and police administration is highly appreciated. Early Life and Education Pramendra Singh Dobal hails from Uttarakhand. According to available government records, he holds a Bachelor’s degree (B.A.). After completing his higher education, he chose a career in the police force and was appointed as an officer in the Uttarakhand State Police Service. Career in Police Service During his tenure in the State Police Service, Pramendra Singh Dobal discharged significant responsibilities across various districts and units. He made notable contributions toward maintaining law and order, preventing crime, effectively resolving sensitive cases, and strengthening police administration. Based on his outstanding service and seniority, the Government of India promoted him from the Uttarakhand State Police Service to the Indian Police Service (IPS) on July 24, 2023. This appointment was made under the 2022 select list, and he was allocated the Uttarakhand cadre. Subsequently, his seniority was fixed with the 2018 batch (Year of Allotment: 2018). Following his promotion to the IPS, he was entrusted with senior-level responsibilities within the Uttarakhand Police. According to available official records, he has also served as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Haridwar. And currently he is serving as Dehradun SSP. Key Achievements Extensive and successful administrative experience in the Uttarakhand State Police Service.Promotion to the Indian Police Service (IPS) based on outstanding service. Selected for the IPS under the 2022 selection list (Uttarakhand cadre).Recognized for maintaining law and order in sensitive districts and for effective police leadership.Awards and Honors Pramendra Singh Dobal has been honored with the Police Service Medal for his outstanding contribution to the police service. Available official records cite the PMSM (Police Medal for Meritorious Service) alongside his name; this medal is awarded for remarkable and commendable work in the police service. Leadership Style Pramendra Singh Dobal is regarded as a disciplined, pragmatic, and administratively competent police officer. He is known for placing special emphasis on crime control, public safety, community policing, and the effective management of the police force. His extensive experience in the State Police Service has provided him with a deep understanding of law and order issues at the grassroots level. Pramendra Singh Dobal is among the senior officers of the Uttarakhand Police who secured a place in the Indian Police Service after years of effective service in the State Police Force. His administrative experience, discipline, and commitment to maintaining law and order establish him as a key officer within the Uttarakhand Police. He is expected to continue making significant contributions to police administration, crime control, and public safety in the future.
Uttarkashi DM Prashant Kumar Arya Bridges the Gap Between Public and Bureaucracy
Prashant Kumar Arya, District Magistrate of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, is a 2017 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, having joined the state civil service. Previously, Prashant Kumar held the responsibility of the Sachchidanand Extension in Dehradun and also held key positions such as Chief Development Officer and SDM in Pauri district. IAS officer Prashant Kumar was born on November 26, 1977. He is known for his honesty, diligence, and work ethic. He is also known for his easy communication with the public. He expects timely and transparent work from his employees and does not place any emphasis on partisanship in the administration of law and order and development projects. His approach to work is focused on promoting public participation and working with officers in a spirit of fairness. Till now he has held the following important positions: Chief Development Officer, Pauri Garhwal, Secretary, District Panchayat Dehradun, Director, Women and Child Development Department, Excise Commissioner, Uttarakhand, Director, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Managing Director, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. Key Tasks His key responsibility is to manage the travel arrangements for the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines located in Uttarkashi district. he continuously monitors infrastructure along the pilgrimage routes for the safety and convenience of pilgrims, and ensures traffic management and the availability of essential services along the routes. During heavy rains, she receives daily updates on the situation and weather in the tehsils directly from the control room. he coordinates with the Public Works Department to immediately reopen national highways and major connecting roads blocked due to landslides, and issues high alert orders. he maintains police, health, electricity, and SDRF teams on 24-hour alert to address emergencies. He reviewed pending forest land transfer cases to address bottlenecks in development projects and directed officials to take prompt action. he also closely monitored the progress of Jal Jeevan Mission projects related to drinking water supply in rural areas. Issued official orders for strict disciplinary action against district and block-level officials who ignore calls from public representatives and ordinary citizens, and increased transparency so that remote villagers do not have to repeatedly visit the district headquarters to lodge their complaints. Previous Positions Key Honors and Achievements
From PEC Chandigarh and IIM Ahmedabad to IAS: The Inspiring Journey of Uttarakhand Cadre Officer Anshul Singh
Born on March 11, 1987, Anshul Singh is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2018 batch, belonging to the Uttarakhand cadre. Known for his academic excellence and administrative acumen, he holds higher education qualifications in both engineering and management, which have provided a robust foundation for his administrative career. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in Civil Engineering from Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh. During his engineering studies, he developed a deep understanding of subjects such as infrastructure, project management, and technical analysis. Subsequently, he pursued an MBA in Marketing from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Studying at IIM Ahmedabad—one of the country’s premier management institutes—equipped him with extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, policy formulation, and organizational management. Following his corporate and management education, he chose a career in the Indian Administrative Service; he cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination and became an IAS officer in 2018. Upon being allocated the Uttarakhand cadre, he successfully discharged various administrative responsibilities within the state. Throughout his administrative career, Anshul Singh has held several key positions, including roles in development authorities, where he contributed to urban development, infrastructure, planning, and the implementation of public-interest projects. His tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on administrative efficiency, effective monitoring of schemes, and a transparent style of functioning. Since October 12, 2025, he has been serving as the District Magistrate (DM) of Almora district in Uttarakhand. In this role, he handles critical responsibilities such as maintaining law and order, ensuring the effective implementation of development schemes, disaster management, conducting elections, and overseeing the delivery of citizen services. As District Magistrate, his focus remains on good governance, public grievance redressal, administrative transparency, and accelerating development initiatives. Anshul Singh is proficient in both Hindi and English. His balanced blend of technical knowledge, management skills, and administrative experience places him among the capable and effective IAS officers of Uttarakhand.
Dehradun’s New DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan Drops a Game-Changer Move for Cleaner Streets
The new District Magistrate, Dr. Ashish Chauhan, just rolled out something pretty straightforward and smart that’s got everyone talking. No long meetings or fancy committees – he’s basically saying, “Show me the problem with your own eyes, and we’ll fix it fast.” In a fresh directive that’s being called quite unique, Dr. Chauhan has urged every resident of the capital to click pictures of dirty spots, broken roads, non-working streetlights, or any civic mess they see around their neighborhood. Just post it on Facebook and tag the relevant authorities or the DM’s office. The administration has promised to jump into action immediately. Dr. Chauhan seems to get that exasperation. He’s turning familiar citizens into eyes and ears on the ground. This isn’t some top-down order – it’s a undeviating line from you to the people who can honestly get things done. Dr. Ashish Chauhan isn’t new to tough assignments. He’s handled districts like Pauri, Pithoragarh, and Uttarkashi before stepping into Dehradun. Recently, he took surprise inspections, listened to hundreds of public grievances, and even cracked down on slow road repair work by stopping salaries of officials dragging their feet. This Facebook tagging system feels like a natural next step – making governance more transparent and responsive. Someone clicks it, tags it – boom, municipal team is there the next day. Potholes on Mussoorie Road making life hell for daily commuters? Documented and fixed without endless follow-ups. It’s simple technology meeting old-school accountability. Of course, for this to actually work, a few things need to fall in place. People have to participate honestly – no fake complaints or old photos just to create drama. The administration also has to stay true to their word and act quickly, not let the momentum die. But early signs look promising. Dr. Chauhan has already been pushing for better coordination between departments, and this digital citizen reporting seems designed to keep everyone on their toes. What’s really refreshing is the tone. It’s not “complain through proper channels after filling forms in triplicate.” It’s “Here’s your phone, capture reality, and let’s solve it together.” Dr. Chauhan’s move aligns with his bigger vision – making Dehradun a model city while conserve its natural beauty. He’s focused on public welfare, good governance, and quick solutions. Whether it’s cleaning drives or fixing infrastructure, the message is clear: citizens are partners, not just complainants. So, next time you’re out and spot something that shouldn’t be there – garbage piling up, a dangerous pothole, or darkness where a streetlight should be – don’t just scroll past. Grab your phone, take a clear picture with location if possible, and put it out there with the right tags. The DM’s team is watching, and action is promised. Let’s see how many of us step up and how fast the system delivers. Fingers crossed, but early days suggest Dr. Ashish Chauhan might just be the kind of administrator the city has been waiting for. Sources: