In the quaint lanes of Bhakhriwala village in Rajasthan’s Pali district, a young boy once dreamed big. Today, that boy, Akshay Godara, is the District Collector of Bundi, Rajasthan. An IAS officer of the 2017 batch with the Rajasthan cadre, Akshay is known for his sharp intellect, calm demeanor, and unconventional career path that saw him transition from a tech enthusiast at IIT Mumbai to one of the youngest district collectors in the state.
AN ENGINEER WITH A CIVIL SERVICES CALLING
Before donning the IAS uniform, Akshay was just another bright student with a knack for technology. He pursued B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Mumbai, one of the most prestigious institutes in India. With a degree from IIT in hand, lucrative job offers were on the table, but Akshay’s heart was set on public service. He chose the road less travelled and dived headfirst into preparing for the UPSC exams.
Success came early. In his very first attempt, Akshay secured the 603rd rank, earning him a spot in the Indian Police Service. However, his aspirations went beyond that. He gave it another go, and this time, he aced the exam with an impressive All-India Rank of 40, securing his place in the Indian Administrative Service. It was a moment that marked the beginning of his journey as a civil servant in his home state, Rajasthan.
STEPPING INTO THE ADMINISTRATIVE WORLD
Akshay began his career in administration as the Assistant Collector in Bharatpur. It was here that he got his first taste of ground-level governance. Keen to understand the intricacies of public administration, he immersed himself in learning the ropes, and balancing policy implementation with public interaction.
His tenure as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi in 2019 exposed him to national-level policymaking. The experience enriched his perspective, preparing him for the leadership roles that awaited him back in Rajasthan.
RISING THROUGH THE RANKS
Returning to Rajasthan, Akshay was posted as the Sub-Divisional Officer in Ajmer, Mavli, and Jhadol (Udaipur). Each posting came with its unique challenges, but Akshay’s pragmatic approach and hands-on leadership style won him accolades. Whether it was managing administrative reforms or resolving local disputes, his knack for finding practical solutions became his signature style.
As the Commissioner of the Ajmer Development Authority, he dealt with urban planning and infrastructure development. It was a role that tested his managerial abilities, and he delivered with precision, contributing to Ajmer’s evolving cityscape.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF THREE TRANSFERS IN 18 DAYS
While his professional journey was steady, it wasn’t without drama. In May 2023, Akshay found himself in the eye of a political storm when he was transferred three times within just 18 days. From Jaipur Heritage Corporation Commissioner to Additional Commissioner in the Commercial Tax Department and then to Joint Secretary in the Personnel Department, his rapid transfers became the talk of the town.
Political corridors buzzed with speculation, but Akshay maintained his characteristic composure, focusing on his duties without letting the noise affect his work. His ability to adapt swiftly to new roles and responsibilities earned him respect across departments.
TAKING CHARGE AS DISTRICT COLLECTOR OF BUNDI
Today, Akshay serves as the District Collector of Bundi. It’s his first posting as a District Collector, and he’s already making his mark. From streamlining administrative processes to ensuring effective public service delivery, Akshay’s leadership is driven by a vision of transparent governance.
He believes in an open-door policy, encouraging people to approach him directly with their grievances. His tech background comes in handy as he leverages digital platforms for better communication and governance, making the administration more accessible to the public.
A VISION FOR CHANGE
Akshay’s journey from a small village to the corridors of power is a story of ambition, perseverance, and humility. As he navigates the challenges of his role in Bundi, he remains focused on his mission—to bring positive change to society through effective governance.
With his unique blend of technical expertise and administrative acumen, Akshay Godara is not just a bureaucrat but a changemaker on a mission to transform Bundi, one initiative at a time.
His story continues to inspire young aspirants, proving that the courage to dream big and the commitment to serve can indeed change the world.
