Rohini Sindhuri Dasari, popularly known as Rohini Sindhuri, is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2009 Karnataka cadre. With an inspiring journey marked by academic excellence, administrative achievements, and a commitment to public service, she has earned recognition as a dynamic bureaucrat. Securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 43 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Rohini has served in various key positions across Karnataka, leaving a lasting impact on governance and community welfare. However, her career has also been punctuated by controversies that have kept her in the public eye.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 30, 1984, in Andhra Pradesh, India, Rohini Sindhuri hails from a middle-class family with a strong inclination toward public service. Her father, whose name remains undisclosed in public records, served in a government job, frequently moving across states due to his postings. This nomadic lifestyle exposed Rohini to diverse cultures and instilled adaptability—qualities that would later define her administrative career. Her mother, Lakshmi Reddy, played a pivotal role in nurturing her ambitions, offering unwavering support during her formative years.
Rohini’s childhood was shaped by a disciplined upbringing and a focus on education. Growing up, she attended various Kendriya Vidyalayas (Central Schools) across India, a testament to her father’s transferable job. Despite the challenges of adapting to new environments, she excelled academically, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Her early exposure to the workings of government systems through her father’s profession likely sparked her interest in civil services.
Educational Journey
Rohini Sindhuri’s academic journey is a blend of technical expertise and determination. She pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), a prestigious institution known for producing top-tier professionals. After completing her degree, she briefly worked at Shell India, a multinational company, gaining corporate experience that broadened her perspective.
However, her true calling lay in public service. Dissatisfied with the idea of a conventional engineering career designing boilers, Rohini decided to prepare for the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her transition from a technical field to civil services reflects her desire for a career that offered intellectual challenges and societal impact. In 2009, her hard work paid off when she cleared the UPSC exam with an exceptional rank of 43, earning her a place in the IAS Karnataka cadre.
Career Milestones as an IAS Officer
Rohini Sindhuri’s career as an IAS officer began on August 29, 2011, with her first posting as Assistant Commissioner in Tumkur, Karnataka. This initial role allowed her to gain hands-on experience in grassroots administration, setting the stage for her future achievements. Over the years, she has held numerous significant positions, demonstrating versatility and leadership.
Early Postings and Rural Development
From 2013 to 2014, Rohini served as the Director of the Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department’s Self Employment Project in Bangalore. This role honed her skills in rural governance and development planning. In 2014, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mandya Zilla Panchayat, where she launched the transformative “Munjane” program. Aimed at promoting individual household toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the initiative resulted in the construction of over 1 lakh toilets in Mandya. Her efforts propelled the district to the top rank in Karnataka and third in India for cleanliness, earning her national recognition.
The central government acknowledged her success by selecting her as one of three resource persons to train District Collectors in New Delhi in 2015. Additionally, she secured an extra Rs. 6 crore grant to establish drinking water units, further enhancing Mandya’s infrastructure.
Leadership in Hassan and Mysuru
In July 2017, Rohini took charge as Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Hassan district. During her tenure, she tackled issues like sand mafia operations through stringent enforcement and improved educational outcomes, elevating Hassan’s SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) ranking from 31st to 1st in two years. She also launched initiatives to combat female foeticide and promote sustainable farming.
Later, as Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru, Rohini continued her focus on public welfare. However, her stint here was marred by allegations of irregularities, including the renovation of a heritage property with a swimming pool and gym, which led to a government inquiry in 2022.
Recent Roles
After a brief gap, Rohini was appointed Chief Editor of the Karnataka Gazette Department and later served as Commissioner of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department. Her career reflects a blend of innovation and resilience, with notable contributions to sanitation, education, and administrative efficiency.
Personal Life: Family and Interests
Rohini Sindhuri is married to Sudhir Reddy, a software engineer and businessman from Andhra Pradesh. The couple has two children—a son and a daughter—and maintains a low-profile personal life despite her public persona. Sudhir’s support has been instrumental in balancing her demanding career with family responsibilities. Rohini has mentioned in interviews that household chores are divided equally, reflecting a progressive partnership.
Fluent in multiple languages, including Telugu (her mother tongue), Kannada, Hindi, and English, Rohini connects effortlessly with diverse communities. She is also passionate about sports and travel, interests that offer her respite from her rigorous professional life.
Controversies and Challenges
Rohini Sindhuri’s career, while illustrious, has not been without controversy. Her outspoken nature and bold decisions have occasionally put her at odds with colleagues, politicians, and the public.
Tussle with Shilpa Nag
In 2021, a public feud erupted between Rohini, then Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru, and Shilpa Nag, the Mysuru Municipal Corporation Commissioner. Shilpa accused Rohini of harassment and resigned from civil services, citing an unbearable work environment. The Karnataka government responded by transferring both officers—Rohini to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and Shilpa to a new role. The episode highlighted the pressures of bureaucratic rivalries.
Clash with IPS Officer D. Roopa
In February 2023, Rohini faced another high-profile controversy with IPS officer D. Roopa Moudgil. Roopa alleged that Rohini had violated service conduct rules by sharing personal photos with male IAS officers, posting them on social media. Rohini refuted the claims, calling them defamatory and filing a complaint against Roopa for misuse of her private images. The spat escalated, prompting the Karnataka government to transfer both officers without new postings. The Supreme Court later intervened, offering mediation, but the incident tarnished Rohini’s public image.
Land Grabbing Allegations by Lucky Ali
In 2022 and 2024, Bollywood singer Lucky Ali accused Rohini, her husband Sudhir Reddy, and her brother-in-law Madhusudan Reddy of illegally encroaching on his trust’s property in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Ali filed a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta, alleging misuse of state resources. Rohini has not publicly responded to these claims, and the matter remains under investigation as of February 27, 2025.
Achievements and Legacy
Rohini Sindhuri’s contributions to public administration are noteworthy. Her leadership in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, educational reforms in Hassan, and innovative governance tools like the Spandana Online Portal (launched in 2019 for grievance redressal) underscore her commitment to societal progress. Her ability to secure additional funding and implement sustainable projects has earned her accolades, including informal recognition as a trailblazer among women IAS officers.
Despite controversies, Rohini remains an inspiration for aspirants, particularly women, proving that dedication and resilience can overcome obstacles in a male-dominated field. Her multilingual proficiency and community engagement further enhance her reputation as a people-centric administrator.
Rohini Sindhuri Today
As of February 27, 2025, Rohini Sindhuri continues to serve in Karnataka, though her current posting remains fluid due to recent transfers. Her career trajectory suggests she will remain a significant figure in Indian bureaucracy, navigating challenges with the same tenacity that defined her rise. Whether addressing allegations or spearheading new initiatives, Rohini’s journey reflects the complexities and rewards of public service.
Conclusion
Rohini Sindhuri’s biography is a testament to her remarkable journey from a small-town girl to a prominent IAS officer. Her academic brilliance, administrative achievements, and personal resilience make her a compelling figure in India’s civil services landscape. While controversies have tested her mettle, her contributions to sanitation, education, and governance endure as her legacy.
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