Ias Alka Tiwari | Jharkhand’s third woman Chief Secretary

Alka Tiwari is a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, appointed as Chief Secretary of Jharkhand on November 1, 2024.
She studied at Meerut University, earning a gold medal, and has advanced degrees including an M.Sc. from Manchester University and a law degree from Ranchi University.
Her career includes roles like District Collector in Gumla and Lohardaga, and positions in NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
She is married to Dr. D.K. Tiwari, a retired IAS officer and current State Election Commissioner of Jharkhand.

Background and Education:
Alka Tiwari’s academic journey began at Meerut University, where she was awarded a gold medal for being the best student, receiving it from the governor. She pursued a Post Graduation in Psychology, followed by an M.Sc. from Manchester University in the UK, specializing in “Management and Development Projects Implementation,” also earning a gold medal. She further obtained a law degree from Ranchi University and attended short courses at Harvard and Duke University, enhancing her leadership skills.

Career Highlights:
Tiwari joined the IAS in 1988 and served as District Collector in Gumla and Lohardaga, gaining grassroots experience. She held secretary positions in Forest, Environment, and Commercial Tax departments, and played a key role in reforming India’s higher education regulatory system while at NITI Aayog. She also served as Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Secretary in the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Her recent appointment as Chief Secretary of Jharkhand highlights her seniority and administrative prowess.

Personal Life:
Alka Tiwari is married to Dr. D.K. Tiwari, a 1986-batch IAS officer who retired as Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary and now serves as the State Election Commissioner, adding an interesting dynamic to their shared commitment to public service.

Unexpected Detail:
It’s noteworthy that both Alka and her husband have held the position of Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, showcasing a rare instance of a bureaucratic power couple influencing the state’s governance.

Alka Tiwari: A Trailblazer in Indian Bureaucracy, From Gold Medals to Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary

In the intricate landscape of Indian governance, Alka Tiwari stands as a beacon of excellence and resilience. A 1988-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, she was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand on November 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Her journey, marked by academic brilliance, diverse administrative roles, and a commitment to public service, offers a compelling narrative of perseverance and impact. As of April 9, 2025, her leadership continues to shape Jharkhand’s administrative framework, making her a pivotal figure in the state’s developmental trajectory.

Early Life and Education: A Foundation of Academic Distinction

Alka Tiwari’s story begins in the academic corridors of Meerut University, where she distinguished herself as the best student, earning a gold medal from the governor a rare honor that highlighted her intellectual prowess and dedication to learning. This achievement, set the tone for a career marked by excellence. She pursued a Post Graduation in Psychology, gaining insights into human behavior that would later inform her administrative approach.

Her academic journey took her across the globe, where she earned an M.Sc. from Manchester University in the UK, specializing in “Management and Development Projects Implementation,” for which she received another gold medal. This specialized knowledge, proved invaluable in her later roles in governance and policy-making. Tiwari further obtained a Law degree from Ranchi University, adding a legal dimension to her administrative toolkit, enhancing her ability to navigate complex policy landscapes.

Career Journey: A Rise Through the Ranks

Alka Tiwari entered the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1988, marking the beginning of a distinguished career dedicated to public welfare. Her initial postings as District Collector in Gumla and Lohardaga, provided her with firsthand experience in grassroots governance. In these roles, she tackled issues ranging from rural development to law and order, laying the foundation for her reputation as a capable and efficient administrator.

As she progressed, Tiwari held secretary positions in critical departments such as Forest, Environment, and Commercial Tax. These roles required a nuanced understanding of policy implementation and a commitment to sustainable development qualities she exemplified throughout her tenure. Her work extended beyond state boundaries when she served as an Advisor to NITI Aayog, overseeing key sectors like tourism, education, and financial resources. During this period, she played a pivotal role in planning reforms to India’s higher education regulatory system.

Tiwari’s versatility was further showcased when she served as Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, and as Secretary in the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. These central-level roles highlighted her ability to handle diverse portfolios with equal competence, earning her respect and recognition across the bureaucratic spectrum.

Recent Appointments and Achievements: Leading Jharkhand

On November 1, 2024, Alka Tiwari was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, a position she assumed with the approval of the Election Commission ahead of the state’s assembly polls. This appointment came after she was relieved from central deputation, returning to the Jharkhand cadre where she is the most senior among the current Additional Chief Secretaries. Her elevation to this role is a testament to her extensive experience and leadership qualities, succeeding Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, who retired on October 31, 2024.

As Chief Secretary, Tiwari is now tasked with steering Jharkhand through its developmental challenges, leveraging her wealth of experience to ensure effective governance and progress. Her prior roles, including her work in NITI Aayog and central deputations, demonstrated her ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and drive meaningful change.

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Personal Life: A Partnership of Excellence

Alka Tiwari’s personal life is as noteworthy as her professional achievements. She is married to Dr. D.K. Tiwari, a 1986-batch IAS officer who retired as the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand and currently serves as the State Election Commissioner. Their partnership is a rare instance of two high-ranking bureaucrats working in tandem for the betterment of their state, showcasing a shared commitment to public service. It’s noteworthy that both have held the position of Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, adding an unexpected dynamic to their contributions to the state’s governance.

Legacy and Impact: A Role Model for Aspiring Bureaucrats

Alka Tiwari’s legacy is one of dedication, honesty, and efficiency qualities that have made her an ideal figure for many IAS aspirants. Her work across various departments has left a lasting impact on Jharkhand’s administrative landscape, particularly in areas like education reform and environmental conservation. As Chief Secretary, she is poised to guide the state through its developmental journey with her visionary leadership and administrative acumen.

Tiwari’s journey from a gold medalist student to Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary serves as an inspiring saga of perseverance and excellence. Her story resonates as a beacon for those who aspire to serve the nation with integrity and commitment. As she continues to lead Jharkhand into a new era of governance, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the state’s future for years to come.

Table: Key Milestones in Alka Tiwari’s Career

Year	Milestone/Role	Impact
1988	Joined IAS, Jharkhand cadre	Began public service career
Early 1990s	District Collector, Gumla and Lohardaga	Gained grassroots governance experience
2015	Advisor, NITI Aayog	Oversaw tourism, education, financial resources
2018	Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)	Enhanced anti-corruption measures
2024	Additional Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers	Handled financial and policy advisory roles
Nov 2024	Appointed Chief Secretary, Jharkhand	Leads state administration, ensures governance

This table summarizes the key milestones, highlighting her educational achievements, administrative roles, and policy contributions, providing a clear overview of her career trajectory.

CURRENT STATUS (APPOINTED): Jharkhand’s third woman Chief Secretary