https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Rajesh Sharma: Shaping Jharkhand’s Growth, One District At A Time

From fostering industrial growth to reviving cultural heritage, Rajesh Sharma’s transformative journey as an IAS officer bridges grassroots challenges and governance with impactful leadership.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Rajesh Sharma, a 2003-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre and currently serving as the Secretary of Disaster Management, has spent over two decades transforming lives and tackling complex administrative challenges. From his early days in Sindri to leading pivotal initiatives across Jharkhand, his journey has been defined by versatility and impactful leadership.

ROOTS IN SINDRI

Although born in Patna, Rajesh Sharma’s childhood unfolded in Sindri, a small PSU town where his father worked for the Fertilizer Corporation of India. Sindri’s vibrant community and educational focus created an environment that nurtured learning and friendships.

He completed his schooling at Rajendra High School and Model English High School before transitioning to a CBSE institution for his 11th and 12th grades. The town’s close proximity to BIT Sindri inspired many local students, including Sharma, to pursue engineering.

His academic journey eventually led him to an engineering degree, a stepping stone to his first professional role.

THE GAIL EXPERIENCE: A TURNING POINT

Sharma’s career began at the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), where he worked for six years at a petrochemical plant in Uttar Pradesh. While excelling in his role, he felt a growing urge to contribute to society on a broader scale. This realization sparked his decision to prepare for the UPSC exams, setting him on a new trajectory.

LAYING FOUNDATIONS FOR GROWTH

Sharma’s first posting as a District Collector was in Pakur, a northeastern district of Jharkhand. Pakur, with its predominantly tribal population and emerging mining sector, presented unique challenges. Littipara, one of its blocks, was among the most underdeveloped in India, requiring targeted developmental interventions.

Subsequent postings in Saraikela-Kharsawan, Koderma, and Godda brought diverse experiences. In Saraikela, Sharma played a crucial role in promoting Chhau Dance, an ancient art form, to national and international platforms, elevating its status and ensuring its preservation.

In Saraikela, he also managed one of his most complex tasks—facilitating the acquisition of 2,000 acres of land for industrial development. The process was completed peacefully, paving the way for industries that continue to generate employment and economic growth.

DRIVING CHANGE ACROSS DEPARTMENTS

Sharma has held key positions as Secretary in departments like Higher Education, IT, Transport, School Education, and Drinking Water. Each role brought new responsibilities, from improving educational infrastructure to streamlining IT systems for better governance.

Currently serving as the Secretary of Disaster Management, he oversees efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response mechanisms across Jharkhand, ensuring timely interventions during crises.

A PERSONAL LIFE INTERWOVEN WITH SERVICE

Balancing a demanding career with personal life has been an evolving journey for Sharma. As his responsibilities grew, so did his ability to manage time for family. His culinary skills, particularly in preparing non-vegetarian dishes for his children, have become a cherished part of his family life.

IMPACT AND LEGACY

From addressing the developmental needs of tribal communities to promoting cultural heritage and fostering industrial growth, Rajesh Sharma’s career reflects a deep commitment to progress. Each role has been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and contribute, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he serves.

With years of service still ahead, Sharma continues to combine his grassroots understanding with strategic vision, ensuring that governance reaches those who need it most.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Sandeep Lathar
Political Pressure Behind ASI’s Suicide? Wife Accuses IPS Officer’s Family, MLAs in FIR, Seeks CBI Inquiry
Special Campaign 5.0
Swachhata Takes Centre Stage: Government Launches ‘Special Campaign 5.0’ across Key Ministries to Clear Backlogs & Boost Office Hygiene
Railtel
Results: RailTel to Announce Q2 Financial Results on October 29, Proposes Interim Dividend with November 4 Record Date
GRSE Garden Reach
Results: GRSE to Review Q2 Results on November 4, Eyes Interim Dividend with Record Date on November 11
South Eastern Coalfields Limited SECL
SECL’s 12 Coal Mining Projects Delay Due to Green Clearances and Land Issues Amid Rising Demand
DPIIT Primus Partners MoU startup ecosystem
From Idea to Impact: DPIIT’s New Initiative Fuels Startup Growth in India
BEL Bharat Electronics Limited
BEL Secures Rs 633 Crore Order from Cochin Shipyard to Supply Advanced Defence Electronics Boosting India’s Maritime Security
thdc_india_contributes_
THDC India Donates Rs 1 Crore to Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Showcasing Commitment to Social Welfare
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Sandeep Lathar
Political Pressure Behind ASI’s Suicide? Wife Accuses IPS Officer’s Family, MLAs in FIR, Seeks CBI Inquiry
Special Campaign 5.0
Swachhata Takes Centre Stage: Government Launches ‘Special Campaign 5.0’ across Key Ministries to Clear Backlogs & Boost Office Hygiene
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT