Radha Raturi, IAS, is a name synonymous with resilience, dedication, and groundbreaking achievements in India's civil services. As the first woman Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, appointed on January 31, 2024, she has shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless individuals with her remarkable journey. A 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Radha Raturi’s career spans over three decades, marked by stellar administrative contributions, a unique UPSC success story, and a passion for public service that began with her roots in journalism. This detailed biography explores her early life, education, career milestones, personal life, and legacy, offering an in-depth look at one of India’s most accomplished bureaucrats.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of a Visionary Leader
Radha Raturi was born as Radha Srivastava in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a family with a strong bureaucratic lineage. Her father, B.K. Srivastava, was an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, whose influence played a pivotal role in shaping her career aspirations. Growing up in a household that valued public service, Radha developed an early interest in communication and societal impact—traits that would later define her professional journey.
Her academic journey reflects her intellectual curiosity and determination. After completing her schooling, Radha pursued a Bachelor’s degree in History Honours from Mumbai University in 1985. Her passion for writing and storytelling led her to enroll in a Master’s program in Mass Communication at the same university. This educational foundation in journalism ignited her initial career ambitions, setting the stage for an unexpected transition into civil services.
To further hone her skills, Radha pursued an MA in Public Personnel Management from Osmania University, a qualification that complemented her future administrative roles. Her educational background, blending history, journalism, and management, equipped her with a unique skill set—analytical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of governance.
From Journalism to Civil Services: A Remarkable UPSC Journey
Radha Raturi’s entry into civil services is a testament to her perseverance and adaptability. Initially, she aspired to become a journalist, a dream fueled by her academic training and early professional experiences. After completing her post-graduation, she interned at Indian Express in Mumbai and later joined India Today, a leading fortnightly news magazine. Her stint in journalism sharpened her ability to analyze complex issues and communicate effectively—skills that would prove invaluable in her bureaucratic career.
However, on her father’s advice, Radha decided to explore the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, often regarded as one of India’s toughest competitive exams. What followed was an extraordinary feat: Radha cracked the UPSC exam not once, but three times, each attempt elevating her to a higher cadre.
- First Attempt (1985): Fresh out of graduation, Radha appeared for the UPSC exam and secured a position in the Indian Information Service (IIS), 1986 batch. She joined the service in New Delhi, leveraging her journalism background in a governmental role.
- Second Attempt (1987): Unwilling to settle, she retook the exam and qualified for the Indian Police Service (IPS). During her IPS training at the Police Academy in Hyderabad, she met Anil Raturi, a fellow IPS officer from the 1987 batch, who would later become her husband.
- Third Attempt (1988): Encouraged by her father to aim higher, Radha appeared for the UPSC exam once more. This time, she topped the charts and secured a coveted spot in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), joining the 1988 batch with the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Her unprecedented success in all three UPSC attempts remains a rare achievement, making her a role model for aspirants nationwide. Radha Raturi’s UPSC journey underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence and her ability to adapt to new challenges—a hallmark of her career.
Career Trajectory: A Legacy of Administrative Excellence
Radha Raturi’s IAS career is a narrative of impactful postings, innovative governance, and a commitment to public welfare. After completing her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, she embarked on a journey that saw her serve in multiple states and roles.
Early Postings and Cadre Changes
Initially allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Radha sought a cadre change after marrying Anil Raturi, who belonged to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Her persistence paid off, and she was transferred to undivided Uttar Pradesh. For a brief period, she also served in Andhra Pradesh as Joint Secretary on deputation, accompanying her husband during his posting at the Police Academy in Hyderabad. This made her one of the few IAS officers to serve in four states: Madhya Pradesh, undivided Uttar Pradesh, undivided Andhra Pradesh, and later Uttarakhand.
When Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh as a separate state in November 2000, both Radha and Anil chose to shift their services to the hill state, where they would leave an indelible mark.
Key Roles in Uttarakhand
Radha Raturi’s tenure in Uttarakhand is distinguished by her contributions across various domains:
- District Magistrate of Dehradun: As DM, she tackled urban governance challenges, earning praise for her administrative acumen and people-centric approach.
- Chief Electoral Officer (CEO): Radha served as Uttarakhand’s CEO for an impressive 10 years, overseeing multiple elections with transparency and efficiency. Her long stint in this role highlighted her expertise in electoral management.
- Additional Chief Secretary: Before her appointment as Chief Secretary, she held critical portfolios such as Home, Secretariat Administration, and Women Empowerment, shaping policies that addressed pressing state issues.
- First Woman Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand: On January 31, 2024, Radha Raturi succeeded S.S. Sandhu to become the 18th Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand—and the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment marked a historic milestone in the state’s bureaucratic history.
Extension of Tenure
Radha was originally set to retire on September 30, 2024, but the Union government granted her a six-month extension until March 31, 2025, at the request of the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government. This extension reflects her indispensable role in ongoing development projects and her trusted leadership.
Personal Life: A Power Couple in Public Service
Radha Raturi’s personal life is as inspiring as her professional achievements. She married Anil Raturi, an IPS officer of the 1987 batch, whom she met during their training in Hyderabad. Anil rose to become the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttarakhand, retiring in November 2020. Post-retirement, he served as Commissioner at the Right to Services Commission. Together, Radha and Anil form a formidable duo, balancing high-profile careers with a shared commitment to public service.
The couple has a daughter, Aparna Raturi, who has carved her own path, though details about her remain private. Radha’s family background—her father’s bureaucratic legacy and her husband’s parallel career in law enforcement—has undoubtedly influenced her worldview and approach to governance.
Multifaceted Talents: Beyond Bureaucracy
Beyond her administrative prowess, Radha Raturi is a woman of many talents. Her creative side shines through her proficiency in writing, photography, and folk singing—passions she nurtured alongside her demanding career. These interests, rooted in her journalism days, reflect her holistic personality and ability to find balance amidst a rigorous professional life.
Legacy and Impact: A Beacon for Future Generations
Radha Raturi’s appointment as Uttarakhand’s first woman Chief Secretary is more than a personal triumph—it’s a symbol of progress for gender equality in India’s civil services. Her journey from a small-town girl with journalistic dreams to the highest bureaucratic office in Uttarakhand inspires young women to break barriers and pursue ambitious goals.
Her tenure as Chief Secretary continues to focus on inclusive governance, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development in Uttarakhand. By blending her journalistic insight with administrative expertise, Radha has redefined leadership, proving that dedication and versatility can transform challenges into opportunities.
Conclusion: Radha Raturi’s Enduring Influence
Radha Raturi, IAS, embodies the essence of a modern Indian bureaucrat—resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to public welfare. From cracking the UPSC exam thrice to becoming Uttarakhand’s first woman Chief Secretary, her story is a powerful narrative of grit and grace. As she continues to lead Uttarakhand into a new era of governance, Radha Raturi remains a trailblazer whose legacy will inspire generations to come.
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