To mark World Environment Day, IAS officer Ms. Ruchika Chauhan, District Collector of Gwalior, made a symbolic yet powerful gesture by commuting to her office in an e-rickshaw, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. She also planted a sapling on the office premises to commemorate the occasion, reinforcing her commitment to environmental conservation.
Who is IAS Ruchika Chauhan?
Born on December 20, 1984, in Indore, Ms. Ruchika Chauhan completed her schooling in her hometown and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Motivated by a desire to serve the public, she cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2010, securing an All India Rank of 50. She was the only candidate from Madhya Pradesh that year to become an IAS officer and began her career as an Assistant Collector in Sehore district.
Currently serving as the first woman District Collector of Gwalior, Ms. Chauhan is widely recognized for her bold decisions and citizen-focused administration. Her tenure has been defined by innovative policies and inclusive governance.
Empowering Women Through Innovation
One of her most impactful initiatives is ‘Shakti Didi’, a program that empowers women—especially widows and abandoned women—by employing them at petrol pumps. This not only offers them financial independence but also challenges gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated professions.
In a first-of-its-kind move, she is also overseeing the creation of a women-led industrial park in Gwalior. The park is designed to support women entrepreneurs through dedicated infrastructure, mentorship, and enterprise support—paving the way for economic empowerment on a large scale.
Her efforts played a key role in attracting Rs. 25,000 crore in investments to Gwalior during the Madhya Pradesh Global Investor Summit, significantly enhancing the city’s industrial footprint.
Championing Sustainability and Public Health
Ms. Chauhan has made environmental sustainability a cornerstone of her administration. She launched a city forest project, starting with the revival of Alapur Hill, to expand the city’s green cover and improve air quality.
In healthcare, she has actively worked to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring pregnant women receive regular medical care, nutritional support, and community-based services.
Data-Driven Compassionate Governance
In a remarkable example of data-driven public service, Ms. Chauhan—alongside Dabra SDM Mr. Divyanshu Chaudhary—analyzed data from rejected Aadhaar applications to identify and reunite 10 missing persons with their families, some of whom had been separated for over a decade.
Her empathetic leadership is also evident in her responsiveness to citizens—such as addressing the grievances of a youth who arrived at her office carrying complaints in a yellow sack.
A Visionary Leader Shaping Gwalior’s Future
Ms. Ruchika Chauhan’s commitment to inclusive development, environmental stewardship, and women’s empowerment is transforming Gwalior into a model district for sustainable and equitable growth. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire a new generation of administrators across the country.
