Rajeshwari B, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Jharkhand cadre, is a name synonymous with dedication, innovation, and exemplary leadership. Known for her transformative contributions to public administration, Rajeshwari has carved a niche for herself as a dynamic civil servant who blends administrative acumen with a people-centric approach. Born in Karnataka and currently serving as the MGNREGA Commissioner in Jharkhand, her journey from a humble background to becoming a celebrated IAS officer is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life and Background
Rajeshwari B was born in Mysuru, Karnataka, into a supportive family that instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. Her father, Bheemappa, and mother, Rathna, played pivotal roles in shaping her outlook toward life. Growing up in a culturally rich city like Mysuru, Rajeshwari was exposed to a blend of tradition and modernity, which later influenced her approach to governance. She has a brother, Manjunath, who is involved in social service, reflecting the family’s commitment to community welfare.
Details about her early schooling remain limited, but her academic brilliance shone through as she pursued higher education. Rajeshwari completed her Master’s degree in Political Science, a subject that likely deepened her understanding of governance, policy-making, and societal dynamics—skills that would prove invaluable in her career as an IAS officer.
UPSC Journey and Entry into IAS
Rajeshwari B’s entry into the prestigious Indian Administrative Service came in 2010 when she cracked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 334. The UPSC exam, known for its rigor and competitiveness, is a gateway to India’s top administrative positions, and Rajeshwari’s success at the age of 32 marked the beginning of an illustrious career. Opting for the Jharkhand cadre, she embarked on a journey to serve one of India’s most challenging yet vibrant states.
Her selection into the IAS in 2011 was a testament to her determination and intellectual prowess. The Jharkhand cadre, known for its complex socio-economic landscape, including tribal-dominated regions and industrial belts, offered her a unique opportunity to address grassroots issues and implement transformative policies.
Career Milestones and Key Postings
Rajeshwari B’s career as an IAS officer is marked by several significant postings where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative governance. Below is a detailed look at her key contributions:
Deputy Commissioner of Garhwa
One of Rajeshwari’s early postings was as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Garhwa district in Jharkhand. Notably, she was the first woman DC of the district, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated administrative space. During her tenure, she introduced people-friendly administrative measures that earned her widespread admiration. Her focus on improving public service delivery and addressing local challenges laid the foundation for her reputation as a compassionate and effective officer.
Deputy Commissioner of Ramgarh
Rajeshwari’s tenure as the Deputy Commissioner of Ramgarh district stands out as a defining moment in her career. Under her leadership, Ramgarh became the first district in Jharkhand to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status—a significant milestone under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Her innovative strategies, such as organizing Nukkad Natak (street plays) by school students to promote sanitation and hygiene, showcased her ability to engage communities creatively.
Her efforts were lauded by Parameswaran Iyer, the then Secretary of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, who praised her as a “champion collector” on social media. Rajeshwari’s work in Ramgarh not only improved living conditions but also set a benchmark for other districts in Jharkhand.
Deputy Commissioner of Dumka
As the DC of Dumka, Rajeshwari faced the dual challenge of managing a tribal-dominated district and leading the region through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure in Dumka, starting before 2020, highlighted her crisis management skills. She introduced innovative initiatives to keep the community engaged during the lockdown, such as online competitions for children, with certificates promised post-lockdown to boost morale.
Rajeshwari also gained attention for a personal touch during the lockdown when she posted a photo on social media of herself cutting her husband and son’s hair, showcasing adaptability and relatability. Her leadership during the Sawan Mela in Deoghar (prior to Dumka) was equally commendable, where she managed over one crore devotees visiting the Shiva Temple in a month with remarkable efficiency.
MGNREGA Commissioner, Jharkhand
Currently, Rajeshwari serves as the MGNREGA Commissioner in Jharkhand, a role she has held with distinction. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a flagship program aimed at providing livelihood security to rural households, and Rajeshwari’s stewardship has been instrumental in its implementation in Jharkhand. In 2023, she was also given the additional charge of Chief Executive Officer of the Jharkhand State Jal Chhajan, reflecting her versatility and the trust placed in her by the state government.
Her tenure as MGNREGA Commissioner has been marked by efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure and ensure timely wage disbursal, particularly during the post-COVID recovery phase. However, her rapid transfers—twice within 48 hours in July 2021—sparked discussions in administrative circles, underscoring the dynamic nature of bureaucratic postings in Jharkhand.
Personal Life
Rajeshwari B is married to Suraj Bhagat, a supportive partner who has stood by her through her demanding career. The couple has a son named Rudra, and Rajeshwari often shares glimpses of her family life on social media, endearing her to the public. A proud Kannadiga married to a Marathi, she embodies India’s cultural diversity. Despite her hectic schedule, she remains connected to her roots in Mysuru, where her mother and son reside, while her father and brother are engaged in their respective pursuits.
Her hobbies include cooking, a skill she revealed during her UPSC interview with the Rajni Razdan board. This personal anecdote—where she discussed preparing rice-based dishes like bisi bele baat and vaangi baat—reflects her grounded personality and ability to connect with people on a human level.
Awards and Recognition
Rajeshwari B’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her leadership in making Ramgarh the first ODF district in Jharkhand earned her accolades from senior bureaucrats and the public alike. Her innovative governance during the COVID-19 crisis and the Sawan Mela management further cemented her reputation as a youth icon and a role model for aspiring civil servants.
Legacy and Impact
Rajeshwari B’s journey as an IAS officer is a blend of resilience, innovation, and empathy. From breaking gender stereotypes in Garhwa to spearheading sanitation reforms in Ramgarh and managing crises in Dumka, she has consistently prioritized the welfare of the people she serves. Her work in tribal and rural areas of Jharkhand reflects her commitment to inclusive development, making her a beacon of hope for marginalized communities.
As a working mother and a Kannadiga serving in Jharkhand, Rajeshwari exemplifies the spirit of unity in diversity. Her ability to balance professional excellence with personal warmth has made her a beloved figure among the masses and a respected leader in bureaucratic circles.
Conclusion
Rajeshwari B IAS is more than just a civil servant; she is a trailblazer who has redefined governance with her innovative ideas and unwavering dedication. From her early days in Karnataka to her current role as MGNREGA Commissioner, her biography is a testament to the power of perseverance and public service. As she continues to shape Jharkhand’s administrative landscape, Rajeshwari remains an inspiration for young women and UPSC aspirants across India.
Top FAQs About Rajeshwari B IAS
1. Who is Rajeshwari B IAS?
Rajeshwari B is an IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre (2011 batch), currently serving as the MGNREGA Commissioner. She is known for her innovative governance and contributions to districts like Ramgarh and Dumka.
2. Where was Rajeshwari B born?
She was born in Mysuru, Karnataka, and hails from a Kannadiga family.
3. What is Rajeshwari B’s educational qualification?
She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science, which she pursued before cracking the UPSC exam.
4. What is Rajeshwari B’s All India Rank in UPSC?
Rajeshwari secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 334 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2010.
5. Which district did Rajeshwari B make Open Defecation Free?
She made Ramgarh the first Open Defecation Free (ODF) district in Jharkhand during her tenure as Deputy Commissioner.
6. Is Rajeshwari B married?
Yes, she is married to Suraj Bhagat and has a son named Rudra.
7. What is Rajeshwari B’s current posting?
As of March 27, 2025, she is the MGNREGA Commissioner in Jharkhand, with the additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Jharkhand State Jal Chhajan.
8. Why was Rajeshwari B praised by Parameswaran Iyer?
Parameswaran Iyer, former Secretary of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, praised her for her role in making Ramgarh ODF, calling her a “champion collector.”
9. What innovative initiatives did Rajeshwari B introduce?
She introduced Nukkad Natak for sanitation awareness in Ramgarh and online competitions during the COVID-19 lockdown in Dumka to engage the community.
10. How did Rajeshwari B manage the COVID-19 crisis?
As DC of Dumka, she implemented creative engagement initiatives and ensured effective administration during the lockdown, earning recognition for her adaptability.
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