Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1989 batch, celebrated for her exemplary contributions to public administration, governance, and social development in Karnataka, India. As the current Chief Secretary of Karnataka (as of March 10, 2025), she has carved a niche for herself as a visionary leader, author, and advocate for citizen-centric governance.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh was born into a family with a legacy of public service. Her father, P.P. Chabria, was himself an IAS officer, whose dedication to societal welfare profoundly influenced her career choice. Growing up in an environment that valued education and service, Shalini developed a strong academic foundation and a passion for making a difference.
Her educational journey is a testament to her intellectual prowess and commitment to learning. She earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from Punjab University, Chandigarh, where she graduated as a gold medalist, showcasing her academic excellence. She later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from La Trobe University, Australia, equipping her with modern management skills that would later enhance her administrative capabilities. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Rural Development from Mangalore University, reflecting her deep interest in addressing rural challenges and fostering sustainable development.
Entry into the Indian Administrative Service
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh topped the women’s category in the 1989 UPSC Civil Services Examination, earning her a place in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) at a young age. Assigned to the Karnataka cadre, she quickly distinguished herself as a dynamic and innovative officer. Her early career was marked by a commitment to understanding grassroots issues and implementing effective solutions, a trait that would define her tenure in various administrative roles.
Career Milestones and Contributions
Early Postings and Rural Development
Dr. Shalini’s early postings in Karnataka provided her with hands-on experience in rural administration. Her Ph.D. in Rural Development became a cornerstone of her approach, as she focused on empowering rural communities through democratic decentralization and inclusive growth. One of her notable early assignments was as Deputy Commissioner of Belgaum District, where she managed the worst floods of the century with remarkable efficiency. Her crisis management skills earned her widespread recognition and set the stage for her future leadership roles.
The Sakala Initiative: A Game-Changer in Governance
One of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s most significant contributions to governance is the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act, 2011, popularly known as “Sakala.” As Principal Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, she spearheaded this revolutionary legislation aimed at ensuring time-bound delivery of government services. Sakala integrated 478 services across 47 departments into a single electronic platform, enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Within two years of its launch in April 2012, Sakala facilitated over 60 million citizens in availing time-bound services, earning accolades such as the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services, the Google Innovation Award, and the National e-Governance Award. This initiative not only transformed service delivery in Karnataka but also set a benchmark for citizen-centric governance across India.
Leadership in Health and Family Welfare
As Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh brought her expertise to bear on improving healthcare access and quality in Karnataka. Her tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, promote organ donation, and address public health challenges. Notably, she gained attention for a controversial Facebook post suggesting that onion and jaggery could cure dengue fever, sparking discussions on traditional remedies and scientific validation.
Her personal commitment to organ donation, inspired by her father’s decision to donate his body for medical research, further highlighted her dedication to public welfare. Following his passing, Dr. Shalini honored his wishes and pledged her own organs to Belgaum Medical College, advocating for greater awareness about organ donation in India.
Chief Secretary of Karnataka
In July 2024, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, succeeding her husband, Rajneesh Goel, who retired on July 31, 2024. This historic transition marked the third instance in Karnataka’s history where a bureaucrat succeeded their spouse in this role. As Chief Secretary, she oversees the state’s administrative machinery, ensuring the effective implementation of government policies and programs.
Her current role as Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Planning, Programme Monitoring, and Statistics also involves leading the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Coordination Center in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Under her leadership, Karnataka ranks third in India for SDG progress, with ambitions to become the top-ranked state.
Akanksha: Harnessing CSR for Social Impact
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh has been instrumental in driving the Akanksha platform, an integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Karnataka government. Launched to channel CSR funds into socio-economic development projects, Akanksha has attracted over 300 crore rupees, with 78 projects underway and 23 completed as of 2022. The platform focuses on healthcare, education, livelihoods, and housing, registering 520 NGOs and 255 CSR funding companies as partners.
Her efforts in this domain earned her the India CSR Award in 2022, recognizing her transformative work in maximizing the social impact of CSR investments in Karnataka.
Literary Contributions
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh is a prolific author, having written 13 books—eight in English and five in Kannada—covering topics such as management, personality development, women’s empowerment, and IAS coaching. Her notable works include:
- Making of a Smart City
- Tale of 2 IAS (co-authored, reflecting her journey with her husband)
- Inclusive Growth – 371 for Development of Hyderabad Karnataka Region
- Rural Development Through Democratic Decentralization
- Creating Your Future (in English)
- Dampathya Jeevanada Pariprekshe (in Kannada)
Her writings offer practical insights into governance, personal growth, and societal development, making her a thought leader beyond her administrative roles. She also regularly contributes articles and delivers lectures on television, radio, and seminars, connecting with the public on issues of interest.
Personal Life
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh is married to Rajneesh Goel, a fellow IAS officer of the 1989 batch and former Chief Secretary of Karnataka. Their partnership is a unique blend of personal and professional synergy, with both having served in high-ranking positions within the Karnataka government. The couple’s story inspired the Kannada book IAS Dampathiya Kanasugalu (Dreams of an IAS Couple), which was adapted into the film Shalini IAS under director Nikhil Manju. The film, blending fact and fiction, highlights their contributions to public service.
Dr. Shalini’s family values are deeply rooted in service and sacrifice, as evidenced by her father’s legacy and her own commitment to organ donation. She continues to balance her demanding career with her personal life, serving as an inspiration to many.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s contributions have been widely recognized through numerous awards, including:
- Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services (for Sakala)
- Google Innovation Award (2013)
- National e-Governance Award
- India CSR Award (2022, for Akanksha)
- 2nd Best Panchayat Raj National Award (2012)
These accolades reflect her dedication to improving governance, fostering rural development, and enhancing the lives of Karnataka’s citizens.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s legacy is defined by her innovative approach to governance, her focus on rural development, and her advocacy for citizen empowerment. Initiatives like Sakala and Akanksha have set new standards for administrative efficiency and social impact, while her writings and public engagements have inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence and service.
As Chief Secretary, she continues to shape Karnataka’s future, driving sustainable development and inclusive growth. Her journey from a gold medalist in psychology to one of India’s top bureaucrats is a testament to her resilience, intellect, and unwavering commitment to public welfare.
Top FAQs About Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS
1. Who is Dr. Shalini Rajneesh?
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Karnataka. She is known for her contributions to governance, rural development, and citizen-centric initiatives like Sakala and Akanksha.
2. What is Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s educational background?
She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology (gold medalist) from Punjab University, an MBA from La Trobe University, Australia, and a Ph.D. in Rural Development from Mangalore University.
3. What are some of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s notable achievements?
Her notable achievements include spearheading the Sakala initiative, leading the Akanksha CSR platform, and receiving awards such as the Prime Minister’s Award, Google Innovation Award, and India CSR Award.
4. What is the Sakala initiative?
Sakala is the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act, 2011, launched under Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s leadership. It ensures time-bound delivery of government services, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
5. Is Dr. Shalini Rajneesh married?
Yes, she is married to Rajneesh Goel, a fellow IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Karnataka. Their partnership inspired the book IAS Dampathiya Kanasugalu and the film Shalini IAS.
6. How many books has Dr. Shalini Rajneesh written?
She has authored 13 books—eight in English and five in Kannada—covering topics like management, personality development, and rural development.
7. What is Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s role as Chief Secretary?
As Chief Secretary of Karnataka, she oversees the state’s administrative functions, policy implementation, and initiatives like SDG progress and CSR coordination through Akanksha.
8. Why is Dr. Shalini Rajneesh an advocate for organ donation?
Inspired by her father, P.P. Chabria, who donated his body for medical research, Dr. Shalini has pledged her own organs and promotes organ donation awareness in India.
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