Ranchi – The Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms & Official Language has promoted IAS officer Ramesh Gorakh Gholap, (2012 batch, Jharkhand cadre), from Additional Secretary to Special Secretary, assigning him the pivotal portfolio of Drinking Water & Sanitation in Jharkhand. Currently serving in the same department, this elevation underscores government confidence in his talent for mission-driven governance.
From Village Roots to Senior Administrative Leadership
Born into a humble family in Solapur, Maharashtra, Gholap faced early hardships, selling bangles with his mother to support their household after the loss of his father. Through resilience and focus, he cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2012 and was allotted the Jharkhand cadre.
Integrity and Impact in District Administration
During field postings as District Collector in Khunti, Bermo, and Koderma, Gholap earned a reputation for administrative empathy. One of his notable initiatives involved rescuing over 35 children from child labour and ensuring their educational rehabilitation — demonstrating a proactive approach to child rights and social justice.
Reputation for Voter Mobilization and Public Engagement
As Deputy Commissioner of Chatra, he drove voter turnout in Naxal-affected areas through inclusive community engagement, ensuring electoral participation by conducting voter enlightenment drives and grass-roots mobilisation campaigns.
Also Read: IAS Ramesh Gholap Shares A Donkey Owner’s Tale With UPSC Aspirants
Ascending to Mission Leadership at State Level
Before his recent promotion, Gholap had served as Additional Secretary for Drinking Water, overseeing rollout of water service schemes across urban and rural regions. The Special Secretary role places him in command of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Jharkhand, tasking him with delivering safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure statewide.
What the Appointment Signals for Jharkhand?
Elevating Gholap to Special Secretary underscores a strategic move by Jharkhand’s government to deploy merit-driven officers in mission-critical roles. As Managing Director of Jal Jeevan Mission, he will oversee rural piped water access, sanitation infrastructure, and allied schemes. His grassroots empathy and administrative track record indicate a proactive shift toward inclusive and accountable water governance.
Gholap’s journey from Solapur to senior bureaucrat, through grassroots action on child welfare and voter outreach, has culminated in his elevation to Special Secretary—a critical post in realizing Jharkhand’s water and sanitation goals under mission-based governance.
Also Read: Chatra District Bucks National Trend with Increased Voter Turnout Amidst Naxal Challenges
