• Current Role: Dr. Anju Sharma serves as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Co-Operation Department in Gujarat, a position she assumed in August 2024.
• Background: A 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer with over 30 years of experience in public administration.
• Education: Holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance, a Master’s in International Development Policy from Duke University, USA, and a Ph.D. from Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar.
• Key Contributions: Pioneered initiatives like e-Mamta for mother and child health tracking, the 181 “Abhayam” helpline for women, and digital advancements in agriculture through platforms like the iKhedut Portal.
• Awards: Received the Prime Minister’s Award for Administrative Excellence (2011) for the Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program, among other accolades.
• Vision: Known for integrating technology into governance, particularly in agriculture, to empower farmers and promote sustainable growth.

Who Is Dr. Anju Sharma?

Dr. Anju Sharma is a seasoned IAS officer who has dedicated over three decades to public service, currently leading Gujarat’s Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Co-Operation Department. Based in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, she is instrumental in shaping policies that enhance agricultural productivity and farmer welfare through innovative and technology-driven approaches.

Career Highlights

Dr. Sharma’s career spans diverse sectors, including health, education, revenue, and skill development. Her ability to implement transformative projects, such as the e-Mamta health tracking system and the “Khilkhilat” vans for maternal care, has earned her widespread recognition. Her recent focus on digital agriculture, including the iKhedut Portal, underscores her commitment to modernizing farming practices.

Impact and Recognition

Her leadership has been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister’s Award for her work on the Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program. Dr. Sharma’s emphasis on skill development and women’s empowerment further highlights her holistic approach to governance, making her a pivotal figure in Gujarat’s administrative landscape.

From Fields to Forums: The Transformative Leadership of Dr. Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Gujarat’s Agriculture Department

Dr. Anju Sharma, a distinguished member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), stands as a beacon of innovative governance in India. As the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Co-Operation Department in Gujarat, based in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, she is steering the state toward a future of sustainable agricultural growth and farmer empowerment. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Sharma’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service, marked by pioneering initiatives, academic excellence, and a vision for technology-driven governance. This biography explores her life, career, and contributions, offering a comprehensive look at a leader who has transformed lives across multiple sectors.

Early Life and Education: A Foundation for Leadership

While specific details about Dr. Anju Sharma’s early life are not widely documented, her academic achievements provide insight into the foundation of her illustrious career. She holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance, equipping her with a robust understanding of economic and business principles critical for effective governance. Furthering her education, she earned a Master’s degree in International Development Policy from Duke University, USA, which broadened her perspective on global development challenges and solutions. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, where her research focused on “Role of Spiritual Intelligence in Preventing Burnout amongst Managers.” This unique study reflects her interest in the human aspects of leadership, blending analytical rigor with emotional intelligence.

Her educational background has been a cornerstone of her ability to navigate complex administrative challenges. The combination of financial acumen, international policy expertise, and a deep understanding of leadership dynamics has enabled Dr. Sharma to approach governance with a holistic and forward-thinking mindset.

Early Career: Building a Legacy in Public Service

Dr. Anju Sharma joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1991, embarking on a career that would see her serve in various capacities across Gujarat and at the national level. Her early roles as Collector and District Development Officer (DDO) in multiple districts of Gujarat provided her with grassroots experience in administration. These positions required her to oversee development projects, manage public resources, and address the needs of diverse communities, honing her skills in governance and public engagement.

During this period, Dr. Sharma worked in key departments such as Health, Revenue, Environment, and Forests, gaining a comprehensive understanding of state governance. Her tenure as Director in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, further expanded her expertise, exposing her to national and international trade policies. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her ability to tackle complex challenges with a blend of local insight and global perspective.

Pioneering Initiatives: Transforming Lives Through Innovation

Dr. Sharma’s career is distinguished by her leadership in implementing transformative projects that have had a lasting impact on Gujarat’s social and economic landscape. Among her most notable contributions is the e-Mamta program, a digital platform designed to track mother and child health. This initiative has significantly improved healthcare delivery by ensuring timely interventions and monitoring, particularly in rural areas.

Another groundbreaking project under her leadership is the “Khilkhilat” vans, which provide safe transportation for newborn infants and their mothers from maternity homes to their residences. This initiative has addressed critical gaps in maternal and child healthcare, reducing risks and improving outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Sharma spearheaded the 181 “Abhayam” helpline, a vital resource for women in distress, offering immediate support and reinforcing her commitment to women’s safety and empowerment.

In the education sector, Dr. Sharma introduced the School Safety Week, an initiative aimed at educating students about disaster management. This program has equipped young minds with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies, fostering a culture of preparedness. Her work on the Student Start-up and Innovation Policy has also been instrumental in nurturing entrepreneurial talent among Gujarat’s youth, aligning with the state’s vision of fostering innovation and economic growth.

Leadership in Skill Development and Employment

Before her current role, Dr. Sharma served as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Labour, Skill Development, and Employment Department. In this capacity, she emphasized the integration of education with skill development to prepare Gujarat’s youth for the global job market. Speaking at the APAC 5th Global Education & Skill Conclave in Bengaluru in February 2023, she highlighted the need for a redefined education system that incorporates technology and experiential learning. She noted, “For the next 10 years, 68 million jobs will be lost every year, but 93 million new jobs will be created with new skill roles,” underscoring the importance of aligning education with emerging industry demands.

Her leadership in this domain has positioned Gujarat as a leader in skill development, with initiatives that ensure the state’s workforce is equipped for the digital age. Her vision for skill development has been a cornerstone of Gujarat’s efforts to create an employable and globally competitive workforce.

Current Role: Revolutionizing Agriculture in Gujarat

In August 2024, Dr. Sharma was appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Co-Operation Department, succeeding Amrendra Kumar Rakesh upon his retirement. In this role, she is driving Gujarat’s agricultural sector toward greater efficiency and sustainability through the integration of technology. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing digital initiatives such as the iKhedut Portal, launched in 2014, which consolidates farmer services like crop damage compensation into a single, accessible platform. This portal has revolutionized how farmers access government support, making processes more transparent and efficient.

Dr. Sharma’s approach to agriculture emphasizes precision farming, the use of IoT, drones, and digital platforms to enhance productivity and sustainability. Her vision aligns with Gujarat’s reputation as a model for innovation-driven governance, as highlighted in her discussions at various forums. By empowering farmers with technology and fostering cooperative models, she is ensuring that Gujarat’s agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Sharma’s contributions to public service have been widely recognized. In 2011, she received the Prime Minister’s Award for Administrative Excellence for her work on the Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program, which addressed a critical health issue in Gujarat’s tribal communities. She also earned the Best Performance in the State Startup Ranking Award from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, for her contributions to fostering entrepreneurship. Additionally, her work on the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) health insurance scheme earned her an Individual Contribution Award in 2011, reflecting her impact on improving healthcare access for marginalized communities.

These accolades underscore her ability to deliver results in challenging environments, combining strategic vision with practical implementation.

Vision for the Future

Dr. Anju Sharma’s leadership is characterized by her ability to integrate her extensive experience with innovative thinking. Her current role in the Agriculture Department positions her to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Gujarat’s farmers, from climate change to market access. By leveraging digital tools and fostering cooperative models, she is working to ensure that farmers are not only supported but empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Her broader vision for governance emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and technology-driven solutions. Whether through health initiatives, skill development programs, or agricultural reforms, Dr. Sharma’s approach is rooted in empowering communities and fostering resilience. As Gujarat continues to evolve as a leader in innovation and development, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the state’s future.

Conclusion

Dr. Anju Sharma’s career is a remarkable journey of dedication, innovation, and impact. From her early days as a district collector to her current role as Additional Chief Secretary, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of those she serves. Her academic achievements, coupled with her practical experience, have made her a transformative figure in Gujarat’s administrative landscape. As she continues to lead the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Co-Operation Department, Dr. Sharma’s legacy of excellence and innovation will inspire future generations of public servants.

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