Rajasthan’s celebrated IAS officer, Ms. Tina Dabi, has once again brought national pride to the state as she is set to receive a prestigious award for her exemplary work in rainwater harvesting. The recognition will be conferred by President Ms. Draupadi Murmu during the sixth National Water Awards ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on November 18, 2025. Known for her consistent administrative excellence, Ms. Dabi has previously earned multiple national-level honors, strengthening her position as one of India’s most impactful young bureaucrats.
Barmer Wins India’s First National Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award
In a remarkable milestone, Barmer district has secured the first National Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award for its outstanding performance in water conservation. The district administration will be honored with a national prize worth Rs. two crore during the same ceremony. This recognition marks an important chapter in India’s journey toward sustainable water management at the grassroots level.
Transformative Impact of the ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign
Under the leadership of Ms. Dabi, Barmer launched an extensive ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign aimed at reviving traditional rainwater harvesting practices. Large-scale water tanks were constructed across the district, creating a sustainable model that impressed national evaluators.
As per Ms. Dabi’s briefing to the media, the initiative has enabled villagers to access fresh, clean water for nearly three to four months after rainfall—a significant shift from earlier years when most rainwater was wasted due to inadequate storage structures.
A Watershed Moment: Barmer to Benefit from Long-Term Freshwater Availability
The successful harvesting systems are expected to reduce the district’s dependence on external water sources and boost long-term water security. For a water-scarce region like Barmer, this achievement is a developmental breakthrough, paving the way for improved quality of life and future resilience against climate challenges.
A Legacy of Excellence: Awards and Achievements of Ms. Tina Dabi
Ms. Dabi, known for her administrative dynamism, has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the President’s Gold Medal and the National Voters’ Day Award. Her consistent commitment to transparent and people-centric governance continues to inspire countless civil service aspirants.
About IAS Tina Dabi: A Trailblazer in Indian Administration
Born on 9 November 1993 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Ms. Dabi made history by securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination on her very first attempt at the age of 22. She completed her education in Bhopal and Delhi, graduating with a Political Science degree from Lady Shri Ram College.
Over the years, she has served in several critical administrative roles, including Assistant Collector in Ajmer, Commissioner of the Employment Guarantee Scheme in Jaipur, and CEO of the District Council, Sri Ganganagar. She later assumed charge as District Collector & Magistrate of Jaisalmer in July 2022 before being appointed as District Collector of Barmer.
She is also known for actively protecting her public identity and dignity, including filing an FIR against fake social media accounts impersonating her.
On the personal front, Ms. Dabi married IAS officer Mr. Pradeep K. Gawande in April 2022, and the couple welcomed a son in September 2023. Her journey continues to influence young minds across India, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Also Read: Tina Dabi Case Cited as Jabalpur High Court Stays MPPSC 2025 Mains Over Reservation Rule Dispute
