“If we can bring change by giving our best every single day, what greater happiness can there be?” – IAS Preeti Yadav
When an officer takes charge as District Collector in India, their responsibilities often revolve around administration, law and order, and revenue collection. Yet, when 2016-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Ms. Preeti Yadav, assumed office as the Collector of Agar-Malwa district, she chose a different path. Rather than focusing solely on administrative formalities, she prioritized employment generation, industrial development, and empowering MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
Her decision was not arbitrary but firmly rooted in the needs of the district and the aspirations of its people. Explaining her approach, she said, “When the local assessment was conducted here, I realized there was a pressing need for industries – especially those that create more employment opportunities. So, we planned accordingly,” in a conversation with Indian Masterminds.
With this appointment, Ms Yadav also made history, becoming the first woman Collector of Agar-Malwa – a milestone that added another dimension to her already inspiring journey.
Focusing on Industrial Growth and Job Creation
Known for her proactive and result-oriented approach, IAS Yadav began her tenure in Agar-Malwa by studying the economic potential of the region. Within weeks, she initiated plans to develop MSME parks, attract investors, and connect local youth to new employment avenues.
“My vision for the district is to actively promote and support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” she said confidently.
Recognizing the link between industrialization and community welfare, she emphasized that many upcoming industries would be agro-based, thereby directly supporting farmers. “As many upcoming industries are likely agro-based, they can provide direct support to farmers,” she noted.
From Plans to Execution: Laying the Groundwork
Despite being in the district for just a little over a month, Ms Yadav has already set the industrial wheel in motion. Detailed planning for MSME parks is underway, and investor submissions have been conducted in major hubs like Indore and Ujjain, drawing both external investors and local entrepreneurs.
“It’s in the planning stage – we’re basically planning MSME parks here, opening various units. Some people have shown interest in Indore and Ujjain, and we’re bringing them in. Local residents have also expressed interest, so we’re trying to incorporate them as well.”
In addition to MSMEs, large industries are also on the horizon, supported by a comprehensive network of ancillary units and industrial infrastructure. According to her estimates, these projects will begin taking shape within two to three months, marking a significant leap in the district’s development.
Empowering Youth Through Skill Development
For Yadav, employment generation isn’t just about attracting companies – it’s about preparing the local workforce to meet industrial needs. To bridge this gap, she has onboarded ITIs, diploma colleges, NGOs, and training centers to upskill local youth.
“Employment generation is about providing local youth with jobs here,” she explained. “We’ve onboarded training centers, ITIs, diploma colleges, and NGOs to train them in trades needed by the new industries. After certification and through local job fairs, they will be employed.”
This integrated model of skill development and placement ensures that the district’s youth don’t just find jobs – they build sustainable careers within their own region.
Balancing Law, Order, and Development
When asked about prioritizing industrial growth over administrative duties, IAS Yadav was clear and composed. “Law and order is our core work; we always focus on it because it’s our supreme task,” she affirmed. “But when I assessed the district, I realized that the greater need here was employment. Some plans were already in place, and I decided to build upon them.”
Her ability to balance traditional administrative responsibilities with a forward-looking development agenda reflects her mature understanding of governance.
Preeti Yadav: The Journey Behind the Officer
“Success is not an overnight feat, but a long journey of struggle, patience, and self-confidence.”
Born on December 25, 1991, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Preeti Yadav grew up in a middle-class family where values of hard work and humility were deeply ingrained. Her father was an engineer with the Uttar Pradesh government, while her mother was a homemaker. As the eldest of three siblings, Preeti always felt a strong sense of responsibility.
After earning her B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Kanpur, she began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination—a journey that tested her endurance and patience. She secured an impressive All India Rank of 145 in 2015, succeeding in her third attempt with Public Administration as her optional subject.
The UPSC Journey: Lessons in Perseverance
Preeti’s early attempts were marked by setbacks, but she refused to give up. She learned to adapt and innovate. “In my first attempt, I prepared separately for Prelims and Mains, but later adopted an integrated preparation strategy,” she recalled. Her disciplined approach—relying on NCERTs, newspapers, and mock tests—became the foundation of her success.
“If a candidate understands the syllabus thoroughly and revises regularly, success is certain. Challenges will arise, but never lose hope, because dedication and hard work always pay off, albeit slowly.”
She also emphasized the importance of limiting distractions, saying, “I kept a complete distance from social media during my preparation. The internet can be useful, but only if used wisely.”
Preeti further advises aspirants to maintain a backup plan. “Having a good degree boosts your confidence. I took several exams alongside UPSC and even cleared six of them.”
A Simple Life and a Meaningful Partnership
IAS Yadav’s simplicity extends to her personal life as well. She married IAS officer Dilip Kumar Yadav in a modest ceremony at the Khandwa Collectorate, breaking away from the trend of lavish weddings. “Instead of spending money on unnecessary show-offs, one can use it for education or social causes,” she stated.
Together, the couple balances their demanding careers and family life – they are proud parents of two children. “A heavy job is one where time is limitless, but devoting time to family is equally important,” she said. “I try to allocate equal time to both home and work.”
An Officer Who Leads by Example
Yadav’s work ethic sets her apart. During her tenure as Commissioner of Jabalpur Municipal Corporation, she was known for working even on weekends, inspecting water treatment plants, waste-to-energy plants, and sewage facilities.
“Work itself provides motivation,” she once said. “If you can bring about some significant change by devoting a little time on your holiday, what greater happiness can there be?”
Before her current role in Agar-Malwa, she served as CEO of Rajgarh District Panchayat and Assistant Collector of Khandwa, each position adding layers of experience and empathy to her administrative style.
Keys to Success: Determination, Learning, and Patience
For Preeti Yadav, the pillars of success are clear – determination, learning from mistakes, constant revision, and patience. Her story is not just about cracking the UPSC but about transforming challenges into opportunities and vision into action.
A New Chapter for Agar-Malwa
As Agar-Malwa awaits the realization of its industrial and employment plans, there’s a palpable sense of optimism in the air. Under the leadership of IAS Preeti Yadav, the district stands on the brink of a new era of economic growth and empowerment.
“By establishing more industries, we can create greater employment opportunities for local residents,” she affirms. “We’re not just building factories – we’re building futures.”
Through her dedicated leadership, people-centric planning, and visionary outlook, IAS Preeti exemplifies what modern governance should look like – rooted in empathy, driven by action, and inspired by purpose.
“Determination and hard work may take time, but they never fail. When responsibility comes, the strength to fulfill it comes naturally.” – IAS Preeti Yadav
