“Let Women Speak for Themselves” — UPSC Topper and Gwalior DM Earns Praise for Challenging Proxy Representation
Ruchika Chauhan, a 2011 batch IAS officer and the current District Magistrate of Gwalior, has captured national attention after a video of her firmly addressing the husbands of elected female councilors went viral. Her bold stand against the practice of male relatives occupying seats meant for women leaders has been widely applauded across social media and administrative circles.
The Viral Moment
The video, filmed during a recent municipal meeting at Gwalior’s Bal Bhavan, shows DM Chauhan confronting a group of men who had taken the seats designated for their elected wives. Recognizing the clear instance of proxy representation, she promptly instructed them to vacate the official seats and move to the audience section.
“Women are empowered now — let them do their own work,” she asserted, emphasizing that political reservations for women are intended to foster genuine participation, not to be exploited by male family members.
This decisive intervention, coinciding with the first day of Navratri — a festival celebrating feminine power — was hailed as a symbolic and timely assertion of women’s agency in governance.
Who Is IAS Ruchika Chauhan?
From Indore to the Indian Administrative Service
Born on December 20, 1984, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Ruchika Chauhan hails from a middle-class family that deeply valued education. After completing her schooling in Indore, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Indore Institute of Science and Technology.
Cracking the UPSC
Her civil services journey began in 2009 when she cleared the UPSC exam and was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS). Unwilling to settle, she reappeared in 2010 and secured an impressive All India Rank of 50, becoming the only candidate from Madhya Pradesh that year to enter the IAS.
Career Milestones
Early Roles and Administrative Experience
Following her training, Chauhan began her career as Assistant Collector in Sehore district. Over the years, she has held several significant positions:
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Susner and Indore
CEO, Ujjain District Panchayat
Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Gwalior
Collector of Ratlam
First female Deputy Commissioner in Madhya Pradesh
Current Role: District Magistrate of Gwalior (since March 11, 2024)
Signature Initiatives as DM
1. Shakti Didi Scheme A pioneering program that offers employment to local women at petrol stations — traditionally male-dominated spaces — promoting financial independence and gender inclusion.
2. City Forest Project A green initiative aimed at developing urban forests across Gwalior, contributing to long-term ecological sustainability.
3. Global Investment Drive Under her leadership, Gwalior secured ₹25,000 crore in investments during the Madhya Pradesh Global Investor Summit, transforming the district’s economic prospects.
4. Regulation on Public Content Creation Soon after assuming office, Chauhan issued a directive banning reel shooting and photography in public spaces, citing misuse and invoking Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defence Code, 2023.
5. E-Rickshaw Commute on World Environment Day To promote eco-friendly practices, she chose to travel to her office in an E-rickshaw, setting an example of sustainable leadership.
Previous Viral Moment: The Yellow Sack Incident
In another widely discussed episode, a young man entered her office carrying a yellow sack, raising security alarms. The sack contained complaint documents that had been overlooked for weeks. Instead of dismissing him, Chauhan personally addressed his concerns and took swift action — reinforcing her image as a responsive and people-centric administrator.
Ruchika Chauhan’s leadership continues to inspire, not just through policy but through powerful moments that challenge norms and uplift voices that matter. Her unwavering commitment to integrity, empowerment, and public service marks her as one of the most dynamic officers of her generation.
