When 1988 batch IAS officer Radha Raturi joined as the Chief Secretary of Uttarkhand, she created history. She became the first woman to sit in this topmost bureaucratic chair in the state. Before her elevation to this coveted post, she was serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Secretariat Administration.
Ms. Raturi comes with a treasure trove of experiences in the administrative field. She joined IAS in 1988 after cracking the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Exam. In fact, to her credit, she is among the few who could crack this highly tough exam in all their attempts. Before joining IAS, she had got selected for IPS and Indian Information Service.
She had joined as an IAS officer in Uttar Pradesh, and then came to Uttarakhand after the division. She has served in various crucial positions, including that of the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttarakhand for 10 years.
There are many other facets to this new Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand. She had dabbled in journalism in the past, and sings folk songs. But, most of all, she is known for her efficiency and honesty. In this exclusive interview to Indian Masterminds, Ms. Raturi shared her vision for taking the state ahead, and the challenges on the way that she is preparing for.
Q. Uttarakhand got its first woman DGP in 2004 when Ms. Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya was appointed. It took 20 years for a woman Chief Secretary to be appointed. What are your thoughts on it?
A. It happens when it has to happen. I am grateful to almighty God, my parents, my husband and my children who have supported me on my journey of self-actualisation. My taking charge as Chief Secretary is part of my destiny, which has come in 2024.
Q. How does it feel to be the first among bureaucrats? Does it add extra responsibilities?
A. Chief Secretary is a post with a lot of responsibilities. I think I am well equipped for that owing to my long experience of 37 years in the government. My focus will be especially on women’s issues, starting with women’s health, education, skill development and their security at workplace, so that we can increase female work place participation, and try to create a better environment for girls and women to achieve their full potential.
Q. Uttarakhand is a peaceful state, so what challenges do you foresee?
A. Uttarakhand is a peaceful state with a lot of challenges due to its geographical adversities, natural calamities, and lack of livelihood opportunities in the remote hill villages. So, I just want to be better prepared for any challenge that is thrown my way.
Q. With UCC on the anvil, do you anticipate some tensions in the state? What are your preparations for UCC?
A. We are going through the legal processes to implement UCC in Uttarakhand. All are alert on the ground, and no trouble is anticipated.
Q. Uttarakhand has some unique agriculture products like rhododendron and a couple of millets and pulses. How do you plan to harness their potential?
A. Uttarakhand has a lot of potential for agri products, especially millets, pulses, fruits, and nuts. For their better marketing, we have launched an umbrella brand ‘House of Himalayas’, which was declared by the hon’ble Prime Minister in the global investors summit.
Q. Industry brings in jobs, but on the hills, is it easy to set up industries? How do you plan to go about it? Do you have any plan for boosting tourism?
A. Industry in any hill state has to balance ecology and economy. Our focus areas are tourism, hospitality, food processing, yoga, Ayurveda, film making, IT, startups, etc. Tourism is our main focus area. Important components are temple tourism, adventure tourism, sports tourism, homestays in the hills, creating new tourist destinations, forest safaris, etc. Tourism is also very beneficial for creating maximum employment, especially women’s employment.
Q. Your love for music is well known. Will you continue singing or it will be on hold till your tenure as CS gets over?
A. Music is an integral part of my life. So, I suppose it will always be there.
