Sumita Misra, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, currently serves as the Home Secretary to the Government of Haryana. Over her three-decade-long career, she has taken on diverse administrative roles, leaving a significant impact in sectors like agriculture, tourism, medical education, and women and child welfare. Beyond governance, she is also a celebrated poet and a champion of literature.
EARLY LIFE AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Born on January 30, 1967, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Misra’s early education took place at Loreto Convent and La Martiniere schools. She later pursued Economics, earning gold medals in both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies from Lucknow University. Her academic journey continued with a PhD in Economics from Kurukshetra University and advanced studies in public policy at institutions like Harvard University, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, Cambridge University, and the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London.
A PRO IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Misra’s career in administration has been marked by impactful reforms and pioneering initiatives. As an IAS officer, she has served in key roles such as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, and Administrator of Haryana Urban Development Authority. Her expertise spans various sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, and women’s empowerment.
TRANSFORMING HARYANA’S AGRICULTURE LANDSCAPE
From 2021 to 2023, as Additional Chief Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Misra played a pivotal role in Haryana’s agricultural transformation. She spearheaded initiatives like:
- Mera Pani Meri Virasat, a crop diversification program aimed at reducing water-intensive paddy cultivation.
- Promotion of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) to conserve water and improve soil health.
- Encouragement of natural farming and crop residue management to boost sustainability.
- Introduction of innovative technologies like vertical farming and poly/net houses in horticulture.
- Launch of Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana and Haryana Beekeeping Policy to support farmers.
Her tenure saw extensive awareness campaigns, equipping farmers with modern techniques and sustainable practices.
REVOLUTIONIZING RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICIES
Misra’s leadership in renewable energy set new benchmarks. As Director of Renewable Energy, Haryana bagged three consecutive National Awards for Energy Conservation (2005-2007) under her tenure. She also played a key role in drafting the Renewable Energy Power Policy of 2005, attracting investments worth ₹5000 crores.
ELEVATING HARYANA’S GLOBAL FOOTPRINT IN TOURISM
As Managing Director of Haryana Tourism (2013-2016), Misra successfully organized three editions of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, each bigger than the last. The 2016 edition saw participation from 23 countries and 1.5 million visitors, with innovations like online ticketing, a mobile app, and improved visitor amenities.
PIONEERING SOCIAL REFORMS
Misra’s influence extends beyond economic and administrative spheres. Under her leadership, Haryana became the first state in India to implement a crèche policy in 2023, a major step in supporting working mothers.
Her tenure as Additional Chief Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department saw initiatives promoting child nutrition, education, and welfare. She has also served as Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Education & Research, where she played a crucial role in strengthening healthcare education and research infrastructure in Haryana.
A LITERARY FORCE
While her administrative work speaks volumes, Misra’s literary contributions are equally notable. She founded the Chandigarh Literary Society and serves as the Festival Director of Literati, Chandigarh’s premier literary festival. Her poetry has won accolades, including an award from the Chandigarh Sahitya Academy for her book Waqt Ke Ujale May in 2016-17.
A LEADER REDEFINING GOVERNANCE
Now serving as Haryana’s Home Secretary, Misra continues to shape policy and governance with her expertise and forward-thinking approach. Whether it is agriculture, energy, tourism, or social welfare, her legacy is built on impactful reforms and innovative solutions.
With a career spanning over three decades, Sumita Misra remains a prominent figure in both administration and literature, seamlessly blending governance with creativity.
