In the world of civil services, some names shine brightly, not only for their exceptional achievements but also for the lasting impact they leave on the lives of people. One such officer is IAS Namrata Gandhi, a true embodiment of dedication, service, and compassion. With numerous accomplishments to her name, she has earned a reputation as a leader who leads with both heart and resolve.
A 2013 batch officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, Ms Namrata’s journey reflects the power of vision and leadership. While serving as the District Collector of Dhamtari and GPM, her initiatives were nothing short of transformative, bringing about positive changes that resonated deeply within the community.
Currently on deputation, Namrata has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat. The Department of Personnel and Training has issued an official order for her appointment, which is set for a five-year tenure under the Central Staffing Scheme. This new role marks another milestone in her distinguished career, one that continues to inspire many. Indian Masterminds spoke to her to learn more about her journey.
A LEADER WITH A VISION: JOURNEY
Born on February 1, 1989, Ms Namrata hails from Mumbai, Maharashtra, and has always been deeply passionate about public service. After earning a degree in Political Science from the prestigious St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, she embarked on her journey to join the Indian Civil Services. At the age of 23, she took her first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination, securing the 600th rank, which led to her appointment in the Indian Postal Service (IPoS).
However, her aspirations extended far beyond this achievement. She was determined to serve at a greater level and, with unwavering resolve, reappeared for the UPSC exams in 2012. This time, her hard work paid off, earning her an impressive 42nd rank and securing a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with the Chhattisgarh cadre.
Ms Namrata’s journey in the field began with her first posting as Assistant Collector in Rajnandgaon. Over the years, she has held significant roles, serving as the CEO of the District Panchayats in Kanker, Surguja, and Dhamtari. She later served as the District Collector of Gariaband and GPM districts and most recently held the position of District Collector in Dhamtari, where her leadership continues to leave a lasting impact.
For her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, particularly for her successful implementation of a GIS-based water conservation plan in Dhamtari.
TRANSFORMING EDUCATION: THE SEEKH INITIATIVE
One of the most impactful initiatives led by Ms Namrata emerged during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With education severely disrupted, particularly in rural areas, she recognized the urgent need for a solution. As the Collector of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) district, she launched the ‘Seekh Initiative’ in April 2021 to bridge the educational gap caused by school closures.
The initiative was an innovative community-driven program that relied on active participation from local residents. Volunteers, known as “Seekh Mitras,” provided primary education in crucial subjects like language and mathematics. The program emphasized the power of community involvement, where college students, trained by UNICEF, visited homes and community centers to teach children.
To further strengthen the initiative, a book donation campaign was organized to establish community libraries. “These libraries not only provided essential learning resources but also transformed into study hubs that continued to support education well beyond the pandemic,” she said while speaking to Indian Masterminds. Her visionary leadership and commitment to education ensured that children in her district received the support they needed during one of the most challenging times in recent history. Her work demonstrated how collective efforts and innovative thinking can create lasting change in the face of adversity.
WATER CONSERVATION: THE JAL JIGAR INITIATIVE
Another remarkable initiative led by Ms Namrata is the ‘Jal Jagar’ water conservation campaign, launched under the Prime Minister’s Jal Shakti Abhiyan. Aimed at preserving water resources, the program has brought about significant change in rural and tribal areas. Under her leadership, large-scale ponds, each spanning 10 acres, are being developed to create vast water storage capacities, which will provide sustainable water resources for the region.
“But ‘Jal Jagar’ is not just about water management – it’s also about fostering community involvement and raising awareness,” she added. Her approach goes beyond rural areas, addressing urban water management as well by ensuring that industries implement rainwater harvesting systems and sewage treatment plants.
In addition to her work on water conservation, she has played a key role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Her administration has encouraged farmers to shift from water-intensive crops like paddy to more sustainable alternatives such as millets and chickpeas. This strategic transition has had a profound positive impact on groundwater levels, demonstrating how thoughtful policy changes can create long-term environmental benefits.
EMPOWERING TRIBALS
A cornerstone of Ms Namrata’s work has been her unwavering focus on the upliftment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), with a special emphasis on the Kamar tribe in Dhamtari. She often refers to her projects for these communities as her “dream projects,” and has made remarkable progress in ensuring that government schemes reach every household in these marginalized areas.
Her approach is multi-faceted, focusing on five key pillars: children, youth, women, livelihood, and habitation development. For children, Namrata has worked to bring back school dropouts and improve enrollment in nutrition and rehabilitation centers, ensuring that the next generation has access to education and health support.
Women, in particular, have benefitted from vocational training programs that focus on traditional crafts such as Ambar Charkha spinning and bamboo flower-making. She said, “These skills not only empower women but also create new livelihood opportunities, contributing to their financial independence.” Housing colonies with essential amenities are being developed to improve the living conditions of the tribal communities, addressing basic infrastructure needs.
Namrata’s tireless efforts have sparked significant positive changes in the lives of tribal communities, ensuring they not only receive the benefits of government programs but also have the chance to lead prosperous, dignified, and self-sustaining lives. Through her work, she has created pathways for empowerment and inclusion, transforming the lives of those who have long been on the margins of society.
THE RISE OF A PUBLIC SERVANT
Ms Namrata has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is measured by the impact one makes, not by titles. From her early role as Assistant Collector in Rajnandgaon to her current position as District Collector of Dhamtari and her recent appointment as Deputy Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, her dedication to public service remains steadfast. Her initiatives have transformed lives and set a powerful example of how effective governance can uplift communities, redefining the role of public servants in creating real, lasting change.
