- Kengoo Zuringla is likely an IAS officer who has served as Deputy Commissioner in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts in Manipur, with a focus on e-governance.
- She won The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Award in March 2025 for the “Manipur e-District Project,” which improved online government services.
- Her transfer from Ukhrul in early 2025 led to public protests, suggesting strong community support and possible controversy over administrative decisions.
- Details about her early life and education are not publicly available, but her career highlights her dedication to public service.
Background and Education:
It seems likely that Kengoo Zuringla, like many IAS officers, has a strong educational background, possibly including engineering or management, given the typical profile of UPSC candidates. However, specific details about her early life and education are not found in available sources, so we can only infer based on standard IAS entry requirements.
Career Highlights:
Kengoo Zuringla’s career includes significant roles in Manipur’s administration. She served as Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi from February 2022 to May 2023, then moved to Ukhrul district as its 36th DC until early 2025. Her work on the “Manipur e-District Project” stands out, aiming to provide a single online access point for government services, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
Recent Achievements and Controversy:
In March 2025, she was honored with a prestigious award for her e-governance efforts, selected from over 450 entries across 29 states. However, her transfer from Ukhrul in February 2025 sparked protests, with local bodies locking government offices and her residence, indicating community support and potential administrative disputes.
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Current Status:
As of April 10, 2025, her current posting after the transfer is not detailed in available sources, but her impact on Manipur’s governance, especially in e-governance, remains notable.
Kengoo Zuringla IAS: A Trailblazer in E-Governance and District Administration in Manipur
In the northeastern state of Manipur, Kengoo Zuringla has emerged as a pivotal figure in Indian administration, particularly noted for her innovative contributions to e-governance. Her recent accolade, The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Award in the E-Governance category, awarded in March 2025, underscores her transformative impact on public service delivery. This survey note delves into her career, achievements, and the controversies surrounding her tenure, providing a comprehensive overview as of April 10, 2025.
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Early Life and Education: A Gap in Public Records
While specific details about Kengoo Zuringla’s early life and education are not readily available in public sources, it is reasonable to infer, given the rigorous requirements of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), that she likely possesses a strong academic background. Typically, IAS officers have degrees in engineering, management, or humanities, often from prestigious institutions, followed by success in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. However, without direct information, we can only note that her career trajectory suggests a foundation in disciplines that support administrative and technological expertise, essential for her later roles.
Career Trajectory: From District Administration to E-Governance Leadership
Kengoo Zuringla’s professional journey within the IAS has been marked by significant district-level responsibilities in Manipur. She served as Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kangpokpi district from February 11, 2022, to May 2023. During this period, she was involved in various administrative and developmental activities, including overseeing election preparations, as evidenced by her role in ensuring fair elections in 2022. Her tenure in Ukhrul was marked by initiatives aimed at improving governance, particularly through technological interventions, which would later earn her national recognition.
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The Manipur e-District Project: A Game-Changer in Governance
Kengoo Zuringla’s most notable contribution is her leadership in the “Manipur e-District Project,” an initiative that revolutionized government-to-citizen (G2C) services. This project established a single online access point for all government services, significantly enhancing efficiency and accessibility. the project focused on transforming service delivery by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, making services like birth certificates and land records applications more citizen-friendly. Her work on this project was recognized in March 2025 when she received The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Award, selected from over 450 entries across 29 states, with the jury led by Wajahat Habibullah, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities.
Public Support and Transfer Controversy
Kengoo Zuringla’s tenure in Ukhrul was not without controversy. In February 2025, her transfer from the post of Deputy Commissioner was met with significant public resistance. Local civil bodies, including the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and its frontal organizations, protested vehemently, locking down key government offices and even sealing her official residence. The protests were a response to the state government’s order (Order No. MSCDP-1/20/2023-DP-DP), with the community expressing concerns over administrative accountability and the disruption of ongoing projects. This public outcry highlights the strong support she garnered, likely due to her effective governance and community engagement during her tenure.
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Additional Contributions and Recognition
Beyond her district roles, Kengoo Zuringla has been involved in other administrative functions. In 2017, she served as Joint Secretary of Forest and Environment, issuing a notification declaring Dailong village in Tamenglong district as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This role showcased her versatility in handling environmental governance alongside her district administration duties.Her leadership extended to community initiatives, such as spearheading the construction of a permanent stage in Phungcham village, Ukhrul, dedicated in March 2025. This project, driven by collective village efforts, reflects her commitment to local development.
Current Status and Impact
As of April 10, 2025, Kengoo Zuringla’s current posting following her transfer from Ukhrul is not detailed in available sources. However, her impact on Manipur’s governance, particularly in e-governance and district administration, remains significant. Her award-winning project and the public’s reaction to her transfer underscore her effectiveness and the challenges faced by administrators in sensitive regions like Manipur.
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Table: Key Milestones in Kengoo Zuringla’s Career
| Year | Role/Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Joint Secretary, Forest and Environment | Declared Dailong village as Biodiversity Heritage Site |
| Feb 2022 | Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi | Oversaw administrative and election duties |
| May 2023 | Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul (36th DC) | Led e-governance initiatives, community projects |
| Mar 2025 | Won Indian Express E-Governance Award | Recognized for “Manipur e-District Project” |
| Feb 2025 | Transfer from Ukhrul led to protests | Highlighted community support and controversy |
This table summarizes her key roles and contributions, providing a chronological overview of her career highlights.
Conclusion
Kengoo Zuringla IAS stands out as a remarkable figure in Manipur’s administrative landscape, particularly for her innovative e-governance initiatives and district-level leadership. Her award-winning “Manipur e-District Project” and the public’s strong support during her transfer controversy reflect her impact and the challenges of governance in a region with unique socio-political dynamics. As she continues her service, her legacy is likely to inspire future administrators to prioritize technology and community engagement in public service.
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