Bhopal: Former Indian Administrative Service officer Saman Shekhar, who left the bureaucracy after around 21 years of service, is preparing to take his education reform campaign directly to communities across Madhya Pradesh.
He will begin the Saman Shiksha Jan Yatra from Balaghat on November 15, 2026. The 10-day campaign will pass through Chhindwara, Betul and Narmadapuram before reaching Bhopal on November 25.
The initiative aims to gather people’s experiences and suggestions on government schooling, identify challenges affecting education delivery and prepare a public charter proposing changes to the State’s education system.
In an interview, Shekhar discussed his decision to leave the IAS, his views on the shortcomings of the school education system and his plans to work outside the government.
Who Is Saman Shekhar?
Saman Shekhar was earlier known as B. Chandrashekhar. He is a 2002-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre who took voluntary retirement in 2023. Shekhar holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Production Engineering.
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He had served in several administrative positions, including as a District Collector in six districts and as Commissioner of the Jabalpur Division. His last assignment in government was as Secretary in the Madhya Pradesh Secretariat.
His name change from B. Chandrashekhar to Saman Shekhar was reported in 2023. At the time, he said the new name reflected his belief in equality.
From District Collector to Divisional Commissioner
During his administrative career, Shekhar served as Collector and District Magistrate in six Madhya Pradesh districts: Alirajpur, Dindori, Betul, Balaghat, Jhabua and Ratlam.
He also held other responsibilities, including the position of Commissioner of Jabalpur Division. The official Jabalpur Division website records his tenure as Commissioner from September 28, 2020, to April 4, 2023.
His career included assignments such as:
- Alirajpur: Served as the district’s Collector during its early years after its formation.
- Dindori: Served as Collector from July 2009 to June 2011.
- Betul: Held the Collector’s position.
- Balaghat: Served as District Collector.
- Jhabua: Held charge as Collector.
- Ratlam: Served as Collector from May 2015 to June 2016.
- Jabalpur Division: Served as Divisional Commissioner between 2020 and 2023.
Why Did He Leave the IAS?
Shekhar sought voluntary retirement in 2023 after serving in the IAS for approximately 21 years.
At the time, he indicated that he wanted to devote his time to social work and an organisation with which he had been associated for several years. He had reportedly deposited three months’ salary in place of serving the notice period.
His request for voluntary retirement was forwarded through the State government for approval. His departure from the service was reported in March and April 2023.
In his latest interaction with Dainik Bhaskar, Shekhar said the decision was not impulsive and that he had prepared for it over a considerable period. He also spoke about receiving an offer from the World Bank after leaving government service.
He has now chosen to focus on public engagement and education-related initiatives.
Why Is He Organising the Saman Shiksha Jan Yatra?
Shekhar believes that improving government schools requires sustained intervention beyond the tenure of individual district administrators.
Explaining why he could not bring about lasting changes while serving as an IAS officer, he said that although he had spent nearly 10 years as Collector across six districts, the usual two-to-two-and-a-half-year tenure in a district did not provide enough time to transform the entire school education system.
He said meaningful reform would require continuous engagement and participation from people at the grassroots level.
The upcoming journey is intended to bring together the experiences of teachers, parents, students and local communities.
Key Education Reforms He Wants to Pursue
During his interview, Shekhar identified several issues that he believes need attention in government schools.
Freeing teachers from non-teaching duties
He argued that teachers should primarily concentrate on classroom teaching rather than being burdened with administrative and other non-academic assignments.
He said separate personnel should be deployed for non-teaching responsibilities so that teachers can devote more time to students.
Addressing the gap between government and private schools
Shekhar raised concerns about the unequal access to educational facilities between expensive private institutions and government schools, where many children from economically disadvantaged families study.
The concept of Saman Shiksha seeks to address this divide and promote more equitable educational opportunities.
Improving planning and accountability
He maintained that increasing education budgets alone would not be sufficient to improve learning outcomes.
According to him, better planning and greater accountability among teachers, parents and local communities are also necessary.
Saman Shiksha Jan Yatra: Route and Schedule
The 10-day journey will cover several districts in Madhya Pradesh before concluding in the State capital.
Proposed route:
- November 15: Begins in Balaghat.
- Next stops: Chhindwara, Betul and Narmadapuram.
- November 25: Reaches Bhopal.
At the end of the journey, Shekhar plans to prepare a document titled Saman Shiksha Jansankalp, drawing on the discussions and feedback collected during the campaign.
The proposed document will outline an education reform roadmap for the next five to seven years and will be submitted to the State government for consideration.
From a Government Bungalow to a 3-BHK Flat
Another aspect of Shekhar’s transition from government service concerns his family’s move from an official bungalow to a three-bedroom apartment.
In his interview, he said that leaving the IAS also meant giving up the government accommodation associated with his senior administrative position.
He acknowledged that his family initially had concerns about his decision to leave a secure government career. However, he said the choice had been carefully considered rather than made in a moment of emotion.
Shekhar also spoke about receiving an offer from the World Bank after his resignation, while explaining why he chose to pursue work connected with social and educational change instead.
With the Saman Shiksha Jan Yatra, the former bureaucrat is now seeking to take his proposed education reforms beyond administrative offices and into communities across Madhya Pradesh.
