A painter, photographer and a changemaker – this is how 2017-batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, Sanjeev Maurya, can be best introduced. While he manages to take time out from his busy schedule to pursue his passions, he also never shies away from experimenting with changes and introducing innovations at the work front.
He got into the civil services after clearing the UPSC CSE 2017 by securing the 89th rank. And, since his training period, he has been giving glimpses of his innovative ways and decision making prowess both on and off field.
During an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, he talked about his interest in photography and painting and also shared some experiences from his IAS journey. He is currently posted as CDO in Balarampur, UP.
TALKING STICKERS FOR ANGANWADI
Mr. Maurya is from a family who has been associated with carpet designing since ages. He came into the services after being motivated by his family members. He was first posted in Jhansi during his phase-2 training. Recalling those days, he said, “That posting taught me a lot. I was in Jhansi during Covid times and was made the Nodal Officer to manage the crisis. Not only did I look after Covid-related health issues but also worked on managing the movements and the settlement of migrant workers.”
He has a special interest in health, nutrition and education. So, while in Jhansi, he took a lot of steps to improve the standard of Anganwadi centres. By collaborating with the district administration, he took many initiatives under the ICDS program and introduced on pilot basis, sim-based weighing machines in partnership with the TUMAS Foundation.
The officer also collaborated with Atollo to use Talking stickers for better learning in Anganwadi Centres.
Talking Stickers are basically audio based QR codes that convey accurate awareness materials in multiple languages on various devices including phones. It is a simple, scalable and effective way for governments and organizations to propagate awareness locally in multiple languages. In education, these stickers are used to record rhymes and a lot of things. User can host it on a platform where others can access.
COMBATING GANG RIVALRIES
When he was posted in Amethi as a Joint Magistrate, Mr. Maurya and his team worked hard to bring development in Resi and Sukhibazgarh villages where gang rivalries had put a stop to any developmental activities for 4-5 years. They not only renovated schools but also built roads and playgrounds. Work on an electric line that was pending for 2 years was completed with talks and police support.
PHOTOGRAPHY & PAINTING
Mr. Maurya is passionately into photography and painting, interests that he developed during the training years and explored the varied genres later. He says that focusing on creativity helps him to relax and be open to ideas, which in turn helps him to strive for excellence. He didn’t take any training for photography and painting, just learned some skills through YouTube videos. “No matter what job you do, it is very important to take out time for yourself,” he said.
