- On April 5, 2025, Radha Raturi, a distinguished 1988-batch retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed as the State Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Uttarakhand by the Pushkar Singh Dhami government.
- Radha Raturi is likely the first woman Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, appointed in January 2024, with her tenure extended to March 31, 2025.
- She is an IAS officer from the 1988 batch, originally from the UP Cadre, and opted for Uttarakhand after its formation in 2000.
- she has a background in journalism, with a post-graduation in Mass Communication from Mumbai University in 1985.
- It seems likely that she held key roles like District Magistrate in Tehri Garhwal, Chief Electoral Officer for 10 years, and chaired state corporations.
- An unexpected detail is her journey through multiple services: IIS in 1985-86, IPS in 1987, and finally IAS in 1988, reflecting her determination.
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Early Life and Education
Radha Raturi was born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, to BK Srivastav, an IRS officer, in a family that valued education and public service. Her passion for writing led her to pursue and complete a post-graduation in Mass Communication from Mumbai University in 1985. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in History (Honors) from Mumbai in 1985 and an MA in Public Personnel Management from Osmania University, showcasing her diverse academic interests.
Career Highlights
Starting her career as a journalist with internships at Indian Express, Mumbai, and later at India Today, Radha Raturi transitioned to civil services. She first joined the Indian Information Service (IIS) in 1985-86 but resigned to re-appear for the UPSC exam, securing a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1987, where she trained in Hyderabad and met her husband, Anil Raturi, a retired IPS officer and former DGP of Uttarakhand. Dissatisfied, she re-appeared in 1988, joined the IAS, and was allotted to the UP Cadre. After Uttarakhand’s formation in 2000, she opted for its cadre, serving in roles like District Magistrate in Tehri Garhwal, Chief Electoral Officer for a decade, and Additional Chief Secretary for various departments. She became Chief Secretary in January 2024, a historic first for a woman in the state, with her tenure extended to March 31, 2025, due to ongoing projects.
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Detailed Biography of Smt. Radha Raturi, IAS
Smt. Radha Raturi, a trailblazer in Indian bureaucracy, stands as a beacon of perseverance and dedication, particularly as the first woman Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand. Her journey, marked by a rich blend of journalism and administrative excellence, offers a compelling narrative of ambition and service.
Early Life and Family Background
Radha Raturi, born as Radha Srivastava in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, grew up in a family deeply rooted in public service. Her father, BK Srivastav, was an IRS officer, providing an environment that nurtured her aspirations. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in writing, dreaming of a career in journalism. This passion shaped her educational pursuits and early professional choices.
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Educational Journey
Her academic path was diverse and robust. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in History (Honors) from Mumbai University in 1985, followed by a post-graduation in Mass Communication from the same university, also in 1985, reflecting her commitment to communication and public engagement. Additionally, she pursued an MA in Public Personnel Management at Osmania University, enhancing her administrative acumen. These qualifications laid a strong foundation for her later career shifts.
Entry into Journalism and Initial Career
Before entering civil services, Radha Raturi immersed herself in journalism. She interned at Indian Express in Mumbai and subsequently worked at India Today magazine, gaining practical insights into media and public communication. This period was crucial, shaping her understanding of societal issues and communication, skills that later proved invaluable in her administrative roles.
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Transition to Civil Services: A Journey Through Multiple Services
Radha Raturi’s entry into civil services was marked by determination and multiple attempts to find her true calling. In 1985-86, she cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and was selected for the Indian Information Service (IIS), joining service in New Delhi. However, feeling that IIS did not align with her long-term goals, she resigned and re-appeared for the exam. In 1987, she secured a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS), undergoing training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. During this training, she met her future husband, Anil Raturi, also an IPS officer, who later retired as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttarakhand in November 2020. Still seeking a role that better suited her aspirations, she re-appeared for the UPSC exam in 1988 and was selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), joining the 1988 batch. She underwent further training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and was allotted to the UP Cadre.
Career Progression in IAS
Radha Raturi’s IAS career began in Uttar Pradesh, where she served in various capacities, honing her administrative skills. When Uttarakhand was carved out as a separate state from UP in November 2000, she opted for the Uttarakhand Cadre, marking the beginning of her significant contributions to the Himalayan state. Her first notable posting in Uttarakhand was as District Magistrate in Tehri Garhwal, a role that immersed her in grassroots governance.
Over the years, she held several pivotal positions, demonstrating her versatility and commitment. She served as Chief Electoral Officer of Uttarakhand for an impressive tenure of 10 years, ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes. Her roles also extended to Additional Chief Secretary for departments such as Home, Urban Development, Energy, and Technical Education, showcasing her ability to handle diverse administrative challenges. She chaired key state corporations, including Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), and was also Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, reflecting her leadership in critical infrastructure and public service sectors.
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Historic Appointment as Chief Secretary
In January 2024, Radha Raturi achieved a historic milestone by being appointed as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, replacing Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. This appointment made her the first woman to hold this top administrative post in the state, a significant step towards gender inclusivity in governance. Her tenure, initially set to end, was extended multiple times, with the latest extension to March 31, 2025, due to her invaluable contributions to ongoing development projects and the state’s administrative needs, especially during critical periods like the Lok Sabha elections.
A New Role: State Chief Information Commissioner
On April 5, 2025, Radha Raturi took on her latest responsibility as Uttarakhand’s State Chief Information Commissioner. This appointment places her in charge of upholding the Right to Information Act, a cornerstone of democratic governance that ensures citizens’ access to government information. With her background in journalism and decades of administrative experience, Raturi is uniquely equipped for this role. Her task now is to handle appeals and complaints, ensuring transparency and accountability in the state’s functioning a responsibility that resonates with her early passion for truth and public welfare.
Personal Life and Interests
Radha Raturi’s personal life is intertwined with her professional journey. Married to Anil Raturi since 1987, they share a life shaped by public service, with two children completing their family. Her husband’s career as an IPS officer and later DGP of Uttarakhand complemented her own, creating a partnership rooted in governance and community service. Beyond her official duties, Radha Raturi retains a passion for writing, a nod to her journalistic roots, and remains socially active, often engaging with community initiatives.
Legacy and Impact
Radha Raturi’s career is not just a personal triumph but a source of inspiration, especially for women in civil services. Her journey through IIS, IPS, and finally IAS, reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her roles have impacted Uttarakhand’s administrative landscape, from electoral integrity to infrastructure development, leaving a lasting legacy. As of March 13, 2025, she continues to serve as Chief Secretary, steering the state through its developmental challenges with professionalism and dedication.
Table: Key Positions Held by Radha Raturi
| Position | Duration/Notes |
|---|---|
| District Magistrate, Tehri Garhwal | Early posting in Uttarakhand |
| Chief Electoral Officer, Uttarakhand | Served for 10 years, ensured fair elections |
| Additional Chief Secretary, Home | Key administrative role |
| Chairperson, UPCL and UJVNL | Led state power corporations |
| Chairperson, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation | Managed transport infrastructure |
| Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand | Appointed January 2024, extended to March 31, 2025 |
This detailed biography underscores Radha Raturi’s remarkable journey, blending her journalistic background with a stellar administrative career, making her a pivotal figure in Uttarakhand’s governance.
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