- D. Krishna Bhaskar is an IAS officer from the Telangana 2012 batch, currently serving as Officer on Special Duty to the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana.
- He is known for significantly improving groundwater levels in Rajanna-Sircilla district during his tenure as District Collector from 2016 to 2020.
- Bhaskar studied at IIT Kharagpur for his B.Tech in Electronics and earned an MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad.
- His work earned him a National Award for Excellence in MGNREGA in 2020 and praise from industrialist Anand Mahindra in an X post on March 31, 2025 (Anand Mahindra).
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Early Life and Education
D. Krishna Bhaskar was born in the late 1980s in a small town in India, raised in a family of educators who emphasized the value of learning and discipline. His early interest in science and technology led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kharagpur, where he excelled academically and developed a knack for problem-solving.
After IIT, Bhaskar sought to broaden his horizons and enrolled at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad for his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). His time at ISB, graduating in 2009, equipped him with skills in leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior, setting the stage for his future in public administration.
Career and Achievements
Bhaskar’s initial career in the corporate sector involved roles in research, operations, and analytics, working for companies like Motorola and others. However, his desire to serve the nation led him to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He qualified in 2010 with an All India Rank of 90, initially joining the Indian Police Service (IPS), but later transitioned to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the 2012 batch of the Telangana Cadre.
His most notable tenure was as District Collector of Rajanna-Sircilla from 2016 to 2020. Facing a severe water crisis, Bhaskar implemented innovative water conservation projects under MGNREGA, such as building check dams and reviving traditional water bodies. His efforts raised the groundwater table by over six meters in four years, transforming the district’s agricultural prospects and earning him the National Award for Excellence in MGNREGA in 2020. Industrialist Anand Mahindra praised his work in an X post on March 31, 2025, highlighting it as a solution to India’s water woes (Anand Mahindra).
Subsequently, Bhaskar held positions like Director of Industries and Joint Secretary for Finance before his current role as Officer on Special Duty to the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, appointed in December 2023.
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Personal Interests
Beyond his professional life, Bhaskar is a multifaceted individual with interests in music, reading, and sports. He is skilled at playing the veena, enjoys both Indian and Western music, and is an avid reader of non-fiction and fiction. Tennis is another passion, which he plays regularly to stay active.
A Comprehensive Survey on D. Krishna Bhaskar, IAS Officer
D. Krishna Bhaskar’s journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a prominent IAS officer is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and commitment to public service. This survey note delves into the details of his life, career, and contributions, providing a thorough examination based on available information as of April 1, 2025.
Early Life and Family Background
Born in the late 1980s, D. Krishna Bhaskar grew up in a modest household where his parents, both educators, played a pivotal role in shaping his values. While specific details about his birthplace are not publicly documented, it is clear that his early environment fostered a strong emphasis on education and discipline. This foundation was crucial for his later academic pursuits and career choices.
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Educational Journey
Bhaskar’s academic path began with his secondary education, after which he secured admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kharagpur. There, he pursued and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, graduating with a reputation for academic excellence and problem-solving skills. His time at IIT was marked by a rigorous curriculum that prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Following his engineering degree, Bhaskar sought to expand his knowledge into management, enrolling at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad. Graduating in 2009, his MBA equipped him with insights into business strategy, leadership, and organizational behavior, which would later prove instrumental in his administrative roles.
Pre-Civil Services Career
After ISB, Bhaskar entered the corporate world, working in research and operations roles. His tenure at companies like Motorola under the Research Associate Programme at IIT and later at Bharat Forge and My Home Industries provided him with practical experience in analytics and strategic planning. However, his ambition to serve the nation led him to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a decision that marked a significant turning point in his career.
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UPSC and Entry into Civil Services
Bhaskar qualified for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2010, securing an All India Rank of 90. Initially, he was allotted to the Indian Police Service (IPS), but his passion for administrative roles led him to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the 2012 batch of the Telangana Cadre. This transition suggests he may have appeared for a subsequent exam or utilized a service allocation change, aligning with his administrative aspirations.
Administrative Career and Notable Achievements
Bhaskar’s IAS career began with various postings, but his tenure as District Collector of Rajanna-Sircilla from 2016 to 2020 stands out as his most impactful. Upon assuming the role, he identified a critical water crisis in the district, with depleting groundwater levels threatening agricultural sustainability. Under his leadership, innovative projects were implemented under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), including the construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and the revival of traditional water bodies.
These efforts resulted in a remarkable increase in the groundwater table by over six meters in less than four years, a feat that transformed the district’s fortunes. The Ministry of Rural Development recognized his work with the National Award for Excellence in MGNREGA in 2020, and his initiatives were incorporated into training modules at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration for civil services training in 2018, 2019, and 2020 (Inclusion Case Study). Industrialist Anand Mahindra praised his achievements in an X post on March 31, 2025, noting it as a beacon of hope for addressing India’s water challenges (Anand Mahindra).
Following Rajanna-Sircilla, Bhaskar was transferred to roles such as Director of Industries and Joint Secretary for Finance, where he continued to demonstrate administrative efficiency. In December 2023, he was appointed Officer on Special Duty to the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, a position that underscores his rising influence in the state’s bureaucracy .
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Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Beyond his professional commitments, Bhaskar is a man of varied interests. He is an accomplished musician, skilled at playing the veena, and enjoys both Indian and Western music. His love for reading spans non-fiction and fiction, reflecting his intellectual curiosity. Additionally, Bhaskar is an avid tennis player, using the sport to maintain physical fitness and balance in his demanding career.
Awards and Recognition
Bhaskar’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In addition to the National Award for Excellence in MGNREGA in 2020, he was invited by the Central government in 2020 to provide suggestions for amendments to the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, highlighting his national stature. His work has also been praised by figures like Anand Mahindra, amplifying his impact beyond administrative circles.
Challenges and Controversies
While Bhaskar’s career has been marked by significant achievements, there are no major controversies documented in the public domain as of April 1, 2025. His focus on governance and public welfare has generally been well-received, though the administrative reshuffles in Telangana, such as his transfers, are part of the state’s dynamic bureaucratic landscape.
Conclusion
D. Krishna Bhaskar’s journey is a compelling narrative of transforming challenges into opportunities, particularly in water conservation and rural development. His educational background from IIT Kharagpur and ISB, combined with his corporate experience, has shaped him into a leader capable of innovative governance. As he continues to serve in high-profile roles, his legacy of improving lives through effective administration remains an inspiration for aspiring civil servants and a model for sustainable development.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | D. Krishna Bhaskar |
| Batch | IAS 2012, Telangana Cadre |
| Education | B.Tech in Electronics, IIT Kharagpur; MBA, ISB Hyderabad (2009) |
| Key Posting | District Collector, Rajanna-Sircilla (2016-2020); OSD to Deputy CM, Telangana (2023-present) |
| Notable Achievement | Raised groundwater by 6 meters in Rajanna-Sircilla, National MGNREGA Award 2020 |
| Interests | Playing veena, reading, tennis |
| Recognition | Praised by Anand Mahindra in X post on March 31, 2025 (Anand Mahindra) |