Smita Sabharwal IAS is a prominent Indian bureaucrat known for her dedication, integrity and remarkable achievements in the administrative services. Born in a Bengali family in Darjeeling on June 19, 1977, her father was Colonel Pranab Das, a retired army officer, and mother Purabi Das, a housewife. She grew up in a middle-class family, where the values of hard work and education were deeply ingrained. Army life meant she moved around, but she completed most of her schooling at St. Ann’s High School in Hyderabad.
Early Life & Education
Smita Sabharwal’s journey began with her schooling at St. Ann’s High School, Secunderabad, where she demonstrated exceptional academic skills and leadership skills. She completed her higher education from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad and later earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce. After graduating in commerce from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, her parents encouraged her to pursue civil services and her passion for public service and her desire to contribute to society led her to prepare for the prestigious civil services examinations. Inspired to.
Overview
Born – June 19, 1977, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Age – 46 yr (2024)
Birth Name – Smita Sabharwal
Occupation – IAS
Height – 5’5 (1.65 m)
Weight – 65 kg
Current Posting – Member-Secretary of The TS Finance Commission Telangana
Husband – Dr. Akun Sabharwal (IPS)
An academic achiever, she topped the All India ICSE examination in class 12th. Smita Sabharwal passed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination in 2000 at the young age of 22 and achieved an impressive All India Rank 4. This achievement marked the beginning of her illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). As a 2001 batch IAS officer belonging to Telangana cadre, she has served in various districts.
As of today, March 23, 2024, Smita Sabharwal’s current posting is not with the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
There was a government reshuffle in Telangana in January 2024, and according to news reports, Smita Sabharwal IAS was transferred out of the CMO and is Smita Sabharwal posted as the Member-Secretary of The TS Finance Commission.
Her dedication and people-centric approach earned her the nickname “The People’s Officer”.
Throughout her career, Smita had to face the specific challenges of the bureaucratic landscape. However, her unwavering commitment to public welfare and her innovative approach to problem-solving earned him recognition and praise. He has held several key positions in various departments including municipal administration and urban development, health and family welfare and industries.
Smita Sabharwal has been widely acclaimed for her efforts in implementing several important initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency and accountability in governance. Her tenure as District Collector of Karimnagar saw significant progress in areas such as women empowerment, health care and education.
Apart from her administrative responsibilities, Smita has also been a vocal advocate of gender equality and empowerment. She has actively participated in initiatives aimed at promoting women’s rights and encouraging their participation in the socio-economic development process.
Also Read: Pooja Parth IAS: A Trailblazing Journey of Dedication and Excellence
As per the latest available information, Smita Sabharwal IAS is serving as Additional Secretary to Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao. In this role, she is instrumental in shaping and implementing policies that advance the progress and development agenda of the state.
Smita Sabharwal’s Husband
Smita Sabharwal husband is Dr. Akun Sabharwal, an IPS officer. They have a son Nanak and a daughter Bhuvish. The story of Dr. Akun Sabharwal is the story of defying expectations and walking on the path of serving his country. Born in Patiala, Punjab in 1976, his father, an Indian Air Force officer, instilled in him the spirit of dedication and service. At an early age, probably around the age of 23, secured a position in the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS). In 2004, he married Smita Sabharwal, his batchmate and India’s youngest female IAS officer at that time. After selection, Akun’s IPS cadre was Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana).
| Bio | ||
| Real Name | Smita Das | |
| Profession | Civil Servant (IAS) | |
| Physical Stats | ||
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 165 cm | |
| in meters- 1.65 m | ||
| in feet inches- 5’ 5” | ||
| Weight (approx.) | in kilograms- 65 kg | |
| in pounds- 143 lbs | ||
| Eye Colour | Black | |
| Hair Colour | Black | |
| Personal Life | ||
| Date of Birth | 19 June 1977 | |
| Age (as in 2024) | 46 Years | |
| Birth Place | West Bengal, India | |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini | |
| Nationality | Indian | |
| Hometown | West Bengal, India | |
| School | St. Ann’s, Maredpally, Hyderabad, India | |
| College | St. Francis Degree College | |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate (Commerce) | |
| Family | Father- Colonel Pranab Das | |
| Mother- Smt. Purabi Das | ||
| Brother- Not Known | ||
| Sister- Not Known | ||
| Religion | Hinduism | |
| Hobbies | Reading & Writing | |
| Controversy | In 2015, Smita Sued one of the countries leading news magazine, Outlook, after it describes her as 'Eye-Candy'. The magazine also published a caricature of her showing her walking a ramp of a fashion show; while her political bosses leering at her. Smita wants a defamation case worth 10 crores against the magazine. Telangana Government announced to assist Smita in her lawsuit against Outlook Magazine by providing her 15 Lac rupees. | |
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| Favourite Things | ||
| Favourite Food | South Indian Cuisines | |
| Marital Status | Married | |
| Husband | Dr. Akun Sabharwal (IPS) | |
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| Marriage Date | Year 2004 | |
| Children | Son- Nanak Sabharwal | |
| Daughter- Bhuvis Sabharwal | ||
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| Income/Salary | ||
| Salary | 67,000/month (INR) (Additional Secretary to Telengana CM) | |
| Net Worth | 3 Crore | |
Facts about Smita Sabharwal’s Life
- Academic Brilliance: Secured All India Rank 4 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2000 at a young age of 22. This achievement is a testament to her hard work, focus, and intellectual ability.
- People-Centric Approach: Throughout her career, Smita Sabharwal IAS has been known for her approachability and citizen-centric initiatives. She prioritizes public engagement and understanding the needs of the communities she serves. This people-first approach has earned her the moniker “The People’s Officer.”
- Innovation in Governance: As Municipal Commissioner at Warangal, Smita Sabharwal introduced the “Fund Your City” program. This innovative initiative fostered public-private partnerships to fund public works projects. By engaging the private sector, she was able to generate additional resources for much-needed infrastructure development in the city.
- Focus on Social Development: During her stints as District Collector in Karimnagar and Medak, Smita Sabharwal made significant contributions in the health and education sectors. Her focus on social development programs aimed at improving the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.
- Breaking Barriers: Smita Sabharwal became the first woman IAS officer appointed to the Chief Minister’s Office, Telangana. This achievement broke a glass ceiling and inspired aspiring female civil servants.
- Current Role: Smita Sabharwal currently holds the dual responsibility of Secretary to CM and Secretary, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department (Mission Bhagiratha Department). This dual role signifies the trust and recognition of her leadership abilities across different administrative domains.
- Smita Sabharwal is a 2001 Batch IAS officer from Telangana Cadre.
- She is the first lady IAS officer to be appointed to the Chief Minister’s Office and known as People’s Officer.
- She is one of the youngest aspirants to have cleared the Union Public Service Commission exam; securing All India 4th rank and opted for the IAS.
- Her first independent charge was as Sub-Divisional- Magistrate (SDM), Madanapally, and Chittoor which let her gain hands-on experience in Land Revenue Management & District Administration.
- During her tenure as Municipal Commissioner, Warangal, she introduced “Fund your City” scheme where a large number of public utilities such as Traffic Junctions, Foot-over bridges, Bus-stops, Parks were created with Public-Private partnership.
- In 2023, reports about Smita’s deputation to the central government took rounds on the internet. Smita, however, denied the claims through a post on X on 13 December 2023. In the post, she mentioned the claims as baseless and expressed her determination to continue serving the Government of Telangana.
- As a District Collector, Karimnagar district, she has started a health initiative to improve institutional deliveries in the public sector popularly known as “Ammalalana”, it was successfully implemented in the district and today serves as a role model for many health initiatives of ‘high-risk pregnancy management targeting, IMR and MMR’ in NRHM of Government of India. This initiative was also nominated as one of the best initiatives for Prime Minister’s award for excellence in public administration.
- She has taken various initiatives to develop the public facilities of Karimnagar district. She also started a programme named as “Voter Panduga” to increase voting percentage.
- To keep a check of government health care program, she also monitored the government doctors through Skype, which has completely changed the scenario in the public health sector.
- She was awarded Chief Minister’s Award for the best district in 20 Point Flagship Programme in 2012-13.She has also received Indian Express Devi Award 2015, E-India (e-Health Category) Government Digital Initiative and Chief Minister’s Award for the best district in 21 Point Flagship Programme in 2011-12.
