Dr. Saumya Jha, an IAS officer of the 2017 batch, Rajasthan cadre, is making waves with her pragmatic and compassionate approach to governance. Currently serving as the District Collector of Tonk, Saumya’s journey through civil services has been marked by her ability to tackle complex challenges head-on, often in high-pressure situations. From managing the migrant crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic to introducing innovative solutions for local education, her story is one of creativity, empathy, and dedication to public service.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared about her life and work in detail.
NAVIGATING UNCHARTED WATERS
Saumya’s career began in Himachal Pradesh, but it was in Rajasthan, after marriage, that she truly found her stride. Joining the service during her probation period, she faced a fast-paced initiation into governance. One of her early assignments as Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Giroh in 2019 presented her with a baptism of fire: organizing two back-to-back elections in an entirely new jurisdiction.
“The first month felt like a whirlwind. There were numerous tasks to juggle, but I learned a lot about crisis management and coordination,” Saumya recalls. But the real challenge was just around the corner.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and Saumya was stationed at the Udaipur headquarters. It was during the first wave that she truly tested her mettle. With millions of migrant workers stranded, Udaipur became a transit point for those either heading back home or returning to work. The scale of the situation was overwhelming, and Saumya was thrust into managing an intricate, fast-moving crisis.
INNOVATION UNDER PRESSURE
Udaipur, a city that thrives on industry, suddenly found itself grappling with the realities of a nationwide lockdown. “It was a daunting situation,” says Saumya. “We had to track over 100,000 people—most of them had no smartphones or knowledge of technology. We had to introduce them to tools like Google Forms, Google Sheets, and even WhatsApp to gather real-time data.”
Faced with multiple layers of challenges—miscommunication, lack of resources, and the logistical nightmare of arranging transport for thousands of workers—Saumya’s leadership became crucial. She and her team worked relentlessly, ensuring that no one was left behind.
“We built systems from the ground up, ensuring accuracy in data collection and real-time reporting. It was intense, but it taught me the importance of adaptability in crisis management,” she told Indian Masterminds.
Another significant hurdle was ensuring the safe return of migrant workers. Saumya and her team coordinated with the railways to arrange trains and coaches, personally overseeing the safe passage of workers to their home states. Despite the chaos, the area witnessed relatively fewer COVID-19 cases, a feat Saumya credits to the collective efforts of her team.
CONFRONTING SENSITIVE ISSUES
After her successful stint in Udaipur, Saumya was transferred to Tonk, where she was confronted with a politically sensitive issue: illegal slaughterhouses operating within residential areas. The Supreme Court had declared these establishments illegal in 2023, and it was up to Saumya to oversee their closure.
With a keen sense of diplomacy, she engaged with local leaders and community members, carefully navigating the legal and social implications of the issue. “It was important to be sensitive to the concerns of the community, but we had to ensure that the law was upheld,” Saumya explains.
The operation was a delicate balance of firmness and tact. Working alongside law enforcement, she facilitated the peaceful seizure of the illegal slaughterhouses, managing to prevent any major escalation or unrest.
FLOOD MANAGEMENT IN TONK
Tonk’s unpredictable weather added another layer of complexity to Saumya’s responsibilities. In 2023, the city experienced over 200 mm of rainfall in a single day, leading to flash floods and widespread waterlogging. The already problematic drainage system was overwhelmed, exacerbating the situation.
Not one to be deterred, Saumya introduced an innovative solution: motorized devices behind nets to continuously suck out water and prevent stagnation. “It was a unique approach, but it worked. We didn’t experience the usual waterlogging, and people were grateful for the quick thinking,” she says. This proactive response not only mitigated the flood damage but also showcased her ability to implement timely and effective solutions under pressure.
USING AI TO TRANSFORM EDUCATION IN TONK
Looking ahead, Saumya is focused on transforming the educational landscape in Tonk. Recognizing that many students in the region were struggling with basic math skills, Saumya and her team introduced an AI-based system aimed at improving math literacy. The system allows students to select questions they struggle with, offering hints and generating similar practice questions.
“We believe that technology can be a powerful tool in bridging the educational divide. By implementing this AI system, we aim to improve student performance in board exams and make learning more personalized,” she shared with Indian Masterminds.
This initiative is set to be integrated into ICT labs in schools, with plans for a full rollout in early 2024. Saumya hopes to see tangible improvements in student results, particularly by the time the 10th board exams come around.
WHY CIVIL SERVICES? A PERSONAL CALLING
Saumya’s journey into civil services was influenced by her father, an IPS officer. “Growing up, I saw how dedicated he was to his work, and I admired his passion for it. His career inspired me to pursue something where I could make a difference,” she says.
Unlike professions like medicine, which she initially considered, Saumya found that civil services offered a dynamic career full of variety and opportunities for growth. “There’s always something new to learn and a new challenge to take on,” she says. “It’s that constant learning and evolving that keeps me motivated.”
A YOUNG LEADER WITH A VISION
Dr. Saumya Jha’s career so far has been a journey of growth, adaptability, and service to the community. Whether it’s handling the migrant crisis during the pandemic, resolving sensitive issues in Tonk, or spearheading innovative educational reforms, Saumya has shown that leadership is not just about managing crises, but about driving lasting change through thoughtful, strategic action.
Her vision for the future—focusing on educational innovation and community development—sets a strong foundation for a promising tenure in civil services. As she continues to break new ground in Rajasthan, one thing is clear: Saumya Jha is an officer to watch in the years to come.
