Skip to main content

Chanchal Rana, IAS: Profile, Bio, Age, Wife and Family



Early Life & Education

Chanchal Rana was born on November 23, 1988 in NALCO Nagar, Angul district, Odisha, to Anil Kant Rana (NALCO employee) and Banajyotsna (homemaker) (Syskool). The family originally hails from West Midnapore, West Bengal. A bright student, he pursued an Electrical Engineering degree at NIT Silchar, where he served as the college student union’s General Secretary, sharpening early leadership skills (Syskool).

Engineering Career & UPSC Journey

Post-graduation in 2010, Chanchal joined Indian Oil Corporation at its Barauni refinery. Despite this secure start, his eyes were set on public service. He attempted the UPSC Civil Services Examination three times:

  1. First attempt – reached interview stage.

  2. Second – secured AIR 219 and an IPS service position.

  3. Third (2013) – achieved AIR 7, successfully entering the IAS (Syskool, The Indian Express).

He chose Geography as his optional subject, a choice that paid off in both written exams and interview preparation (Syskool).

Administrative Career & Impactful Postings

Following his training at LBSNAA, Chanchal held several key roles across Odisha:

  • Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) – Managed local development and disaster response.

  • District Collector – Led education, SHG, and disaster preparedness initiatives.

  • State Secretariat Officer – Contributed to rural electrification and renewable energy policy.

In these roles, he consistently implemented data-backed policies and prioritized community-grounded solutions.

Project “Sweekruti” – Championing Transgender Inclusion

As Collector, Balangir, Chanchal implemented the path-breaking Sweekruti initiative. In July 2020, the district administration under his leadership launched a program granting dignified employment opportunities to transgender individuals—ranging from managing parking lots to municipal sanitation and waste collection (The Indian Express, Weconstek).

This effort earned him The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Award (Gender & Inclusion category) (The Indian Express). Beneficiaries like Premananda Sahu and Jairaj Nag now earn ₹7,000–10,000 monthly, free from the stigma of begging or marginalization (The Indian Express).

Recent Role: Collector of Puri District (June 2025)

On June 29, 2025, Chanchal was appointed Collector of Puri District, shortly after a tragic stampede during that year’s Rath Yatra. He rapidly took action—meeting victim families, announcing ₹25 lakh ex-gratia payments, suspending negligent officers, and establishing a formal inquiry to restore public confidence (Weconstek).

He’s focused on:

  • Enhancing crowd management and emergency protocols.

  • Seamlessly integrating heritage tourism and festival safety.

  • Modernizing public services while preserving cultural heritage.

Personal Life & Partnerships

  • Chanchal was earlier married to Swadha Dev, IAS (2014 batch) (Weconstek).

  • In February 2023, he got engaged to IAS Ananya Das (2015 batch, Gujarat cadre), herself a topper and accomplished administrator (angikar.co.in). The announcement sparked social media interest due to their high-profile roles .

  • He enjoys yoga, reading history/political biographies, and cultural exploration with Ananya.

⚖️ Recent News & Controversies

  • Puri Appointment: His appointment following the Rath Yatra tragedy was widely noted, with expectations mounted for improved public safety measures (Weconstek)—no specific controversies have emerged in this transition.

  • “Dugdh Kranti” Dairy Project: Multiple local reports highlight his efforts in rural dairy initiatives in Puri to boost farmer incomes. This “milk revolution” earned regional attention (angikar.co.in).

No reports of formal allegations or enquiries were found. His career, though at times subject to scrutiny typical of IAS officials, remains free of controversy.

📌 Top Interesting Facts

Fact Detail
UPSC Rank AIR 7 in 2013, highest across Odisha that year
Engineering Roots A B.Tech from NIT Silchar and ex-IOC Barauni engineer
Geography Optional Chosen for its logic and alignment with GS papers
Sweekruti Initiative First IAS-led transgender employment scheme in Odisha
Governance Award Honored by Indian Express for gender inclusion (2023)
Power Couple Engaged to fellow UPSC topper and district collector, Ananya Das

❓FAQs

Q: Who is Chanchal Rana married to?
A: Initially married to IAS Swadha Dev, he became engaged to IAS Ananya Das in February 2023 (angikar.co.in, Weconstek, Syskool, The Indian Express).

Q: What is Project Sweekruti?
A: A pioneering transgender employment initiative launched in Balangir under Chanchal’s leadership, providing dignified jobs and fostering social inclusion (The Indian Express).

Q: Why was he appointed Puri Collector?
A: Following a fatal stampede during Rath Yatra, the Odisha government appointed him on June 29, 2025, seeking swift administrative action and public reassurance (Weconstek).

Q: What is his educational background?
A: B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from NIT Silchar, followed by IAS entry in 2013.

Q: Has he faced any controversies?
A: None major. His career has been praised for integrity and innovation, with no reported investigations or scandals.

✅ Final Thoughts

Chanchal Rana represents both technical acumen and human-centered governance. From engineering to social integration efforts like Sweekruti, and managing crisis-prone environments, he blends empathy with efficiency. As Collector of Puri, all eyes are on his next move—balancing Odisha’s deep-rooted traditions with modern-day accountability and innovation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rini Ann George, Actress: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Rini Ann George , a versatile Malayalam actress , model, dancer, former journalist, and media personality, has steadily risen in Kerala’s entertainment industry. Known for her debut in 916 Kunjoottan and engaging presence as an anchor, Rini balances creative passion with a commitment to social issues. In 2025, she gained significant attention beyond cinema—speaking candidly about political harassment from a youth leader, which resonated widely across Kerala audiences. Early Life & Career Beginnings Though personal details like birth date and early education remain private, Rini Ann George’s professional trajectory is visible on her LinkedIn profile: she describes herself as "Bold and beautiful sailing on rough weathers" , pursuing modeling, anchoring, acting, journalism, dance, and choreography.( LinkedIn ) Before transitioning fully into films, she gained recognition as a media professional and model—a foundation that sharpened her public-facing skills. Career Mil...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ajit Hanamakkanavar: Profile, Wiki, Family, Caste and Wife

Ajit Hanamakkanavar is a prominent Indian journalist and news anchor, known for his outspoken style in the Kannada-language media. He currently holds a leadership position as Head of News and Programmes at Asianet Suvarna News , a popular regional news channel in Karnataka ( casemine.com ). Ajit initially gained attention through debate shows such as Left, Right & Centre , where his provocative questions and sharp commentary helped build his reputation as a bold and controversial figure ( casemine.com ). 📚 Early Life & Education Public records on Ajit's personal background, including birth year, hometown, and educational credentials, are limited. His rise in journalism appears rooted in local Kannada media, where he transitioned from reporting roles to anchoring and editorial responsibilities. 💼 Career Trajectory Regional Journalist – He began in Kannada-language television, gaining experience in reporting and anchoring for local audiences. Suvarna News Anch...
Post a Comment
Read more

Marya Shakil, CNN - IBN: Profile, Husband, Family and Age

Marya Shakil is one of India’s most respected political journalists. With nearly two decades of experience, she has established herself as a sharp, insightful voice across television journalism, in‑depth reporting, and political analysis. 🧬 Early Life & Education Born in Patna, Bihar , Marya inherited her political acumen from her father, Shakil Ahmad Khan , a veteran politician who served as a Bihar MLA and cabinet minister in Rabri Devi’s administration. He passed away in August 2012 ( en.wikipedia.org ). Marya completed her MA in Mass Communication (2005) from AJK Mass Communication Research Centre , Jamia Millia Islamia, after which she interned with Times Group (Bennett Coleman & Co.) in 2004 ( en.wikipedia.org ). 📺 Career & Rise in Journalism CNN‑IBN / CNN‑News18 : Marya started her TV career in 2005 with Network18. Notable early work includes a documentary on the 2008 Bihar floods and The Muslim Manifesto ahead of the 2012 UP elections, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Relationship Between Mansi Soni and Narendra Modi: Separating Truth, Myth, and Rumors

The alleged relationship between Mansi Soni and Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, has been a subject of intense speculation, particularly following the 2013 “Snoopgate” controversy. This episode, centered around claims of illegal surveillance, sparked debates about Modi’s personal and political conduct during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. While some narratives suggest a personal connection between Modi and Soni, others dismiss these as politically motivated rumors. Who is Mansi Soni? Mansi Soni is an architect from Gujarat, born into a Bhuj-based business family known for its jewelry enterprise, Hem Jewellers. Her father, Pranlal Soni, is a prominent businessman and Rotarian who played a role in Bhuj’s reconstruction after the 2001 earthquake. Mansi graduated from BMS College of Engineering in Bangalore in 1999 with a degree in architecture and later became a director at Ecolibrium Energy, a smart-grid company founded by her brothers, Chintan and Harit Soni. The company ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mausami Singh, Aaj Tak: Profile, Bio, Age and Family

Mausami Singh – Fearless Voice of Indian Journalism Introduction Mausami Singh is a prominent Indian journalist, currently serving as the Deputy Editor at India Today’s National Bureau and its Hindi news channel, Aaj Tak . Known for her sharp political analysis, unwavering courage, and fearless reporting, she has carved a niche for herself among India’s leading journalists. Her work balancing hard-hitting political stories and sensitive social issues has earned her both respect and widespread recognition. ( आज तक ) Early Life & Education Born and raised in New Delhi, Mausami is a private person when it comes to her personal background. Her academic journey, however, laid a strong foundation for her career. She graduated in journalism and mass communication from the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) around the 2004 batch—an institution renowned for producing media professionals of top caliber. During her college years, she demonstrated a natural flair for investigative stor...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Relationship Between Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Preity Zinta: Exploring Their Familial Connection

The relationship between Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and Indian politician Rajiv Pratap Rudy has sparked curiosity among fans and media alike, primarily due to their familial ties and occasional public appearances together. This article delves into the details of their relationship, addressing whether Preity Zinta is indeed the sister-in-law of Rajiv Pratap Rudy, and explores any statements made by public personalities regarding their connection. We'll also ensure the content is SEO-optimized to provide valuable information for readers searching for insights into this intriguing bond. Who Are Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Preity Zinta? Before diving into their relationship, let’s briefly introduce the two individuals: Rajiv Pratap Rudy : Born on March 30, 1962, in Patna, Bihar, Rajiv Pratap Rudy is a prominent Indian politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A four-time Member of Parliament from Saran, Bihar, Rudy has held significant ministerial roles, including Mini...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chetna Jhamb: Profile, Bio, Age, Caste, Husband and Family

Early Life & Education Chetna Jhamb, originally from India, developed an entrepreneurial spark early in life. Although details about her birthplace and educational background are not widely publicized, her LinkedIn profile highlights over 13 years of corporate and leadership experience across managerial roles( LinkedIn ). Her multilingual exposure and global outreach—evident from launching ventures in the U.S. and India—indicate a strong academic foundation and international exposure. Corporate Career & Business Ventures Director at Skanda HEI HR International Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru Chetna holds a leadership role at this firm that focuses on protective healthcare equipment like PPE and oxygen concentrators. Founder and Global Entrepreneur She launched her first business in the U.S. in 2016, followed by expansions in India. Operations & Media Leadership Managing multifaceted businesses spanning media, tech, and healthcare, she positions herself as an innovativ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arzoo Kazmi, Journalist: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Arzoo Kazmi is a prominent journalist and human rights advocate from Pakistan, known for incisive political analysis and fearless reporting. Over the years, she has covered sensitive topics—from constitutional reforms to national security—and has been embroiled in controversies that highlight issues of press freedom and state pressure. Early Life & Education Background : Born in Pakistan, Arzoo developed a keen interest in journalism and public affairs early on. Education : Attended top journalism institutions (specifics kept private), where she honed her writing, analysis, and investigative skills. Entry into Media : Began as a researcher before quickly transitioning to on-screen reporting, earning respect for her clarity on constitutional and geopolitical matters. Career & Professional Highlights Rise as a Political Journalist Television & Digital Presence : Regularly appears on Pakistani and international news networks. She provides commentary on constitution...
Post a Comment
Read more

Priyanka G, IAS Kerala: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Introduction Priyanka G (born circa 1993), an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2017 Kerala cadre, has garnered attention for her rapid rise, impactful postings, and recent controversies. Known for her transparent approach and social commitment, she currently serves as the District Collector of Palakkad—a role she assumed on February 5, 2025 ( LinkedIn ). Early Life & Education Hometown & Background : Hailing from Karnataka, Priyanka grew up in a middle-class family with a strong emphasis on education and public service . Academic Journey : After excelling academically through schooling and college, she focused on cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam , succeeded in 2017, and joined the IAS. POSTING : Post-training at LBSNAA, she was assigned to the Kerala cadre—a coveted break for many aspirants from outside the state. Career Progression Director, Women & Child Department : Before becoming Palakkad Collector, Priyanka served as the Di...
Post a Comment
Read more

Saurabh Jorwal, IAS: Profile, Wiki, Girlfriend, Age and Educational Details

Saurabh Jorwal (b. circa 1988–89) is a distinguished 2014-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre. An alumnus of IIT Delhi , his journey from engineering to impactful public service reflects resilience, innovation, and a hands-on governance style. 🎓 Early Life & Education Academic Foundations Jorwal earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi , a training ground for analytical excellence and technological problem-solving. UPSC Tenacity First attempt (2013) : Ranked well enough to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Second attempt (2014) : Cracked the UPSC Civil Services with an All India Rank (AIR) of 802, securing an IAS position under the ST category . 📍 Bihar Cadre: Postings & Impact SDO Saharsa: Tech Meets Administration As Sub‑Divisional Officer of Saharsa , he leveraged Google Maps to locate and clear encroachments, easing traffic and reducing waterlogging. These tech-driven initiatives gained positive local and online...
Post a Comment
Read more