Jaipur/Dehradun: Nainital native and 2021 batch IAS officer Shailja Pandey has officially joined the Rajasthan cadre, marking another high-profile cadre transfer under the marital grounds rule. Previously posted in Bihar, Shailja’s transfer comes after the approval of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, following her marriage to Gaurav Garg, a 2015 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer currently serving in Rajasthan.
From Nainital to Nation-Building
Ms Pandey hails from Majhera (Prempur) Garampani, Nainital, and her family now resides in Lower Danda Compound, Zoo Road, Nainital. A bright student from the start, she completed her schooling at St. Mary’s Convent School, Nainital, and topped her intermediate board exams in 2013.
Later, she pursued Electrical and Electronics Engineering at NIT Hamirpur and initially joined the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) before being selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
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UPSC Topper with National Rank 61
IAS Shailja cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination-2020 with flying colors, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 61. Her strong academic background and commitment to public service were evident early in her career, with commendable postings in Bihar, where she built a reputation for administrative diligence and efficiency.
Cadre Transfers to Rajasthan on the Rise
IAS Shailja’s transfer is part of a larger trend. In the past nine months alone, Rajasthan has welcomed eight cadre-transferred IAS and IPS officers, six of whom are women. This influx of young and dynamic officers reflects Rajasthan’s growing appeal among civil servants, especially for those seeking proximity due to marital ties.
Background on Cadre Transfer Rules
As per the rules of the All India Services, cadre transfers are permitted in cases of inter-cadre marriages, provided both spouses agree and the respective state governments and Centre approve the change.
