Dehradun: Radha Raturi has been approved as Uttarakhand's next chief secretary by the Chief Minister’s Office, marking a significant step in women empowerment in the state. She is set to become the 18th chief secretary and the first woman to hold this position since Uttarakhand's formation in 2000. Radha Raturi, a 1988 batch IAS officer, will assume office on January 31, succeeding S.S. Sandhu, who completes his post-retirement six-month extension on the same day.

Speculation Surrounding Sandhu's Extension

There had been speculation in recent weeks about the extension of Sandhu's tenure. This speculation arose due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and Radha Raturi's impending retirement. Previously serving as the additional chief secretary to the Chief Minister, Radha Raturi's promotion to the post of chief secretary was delayed due to Sandhu's extension granted by the Centre six months ago, on the recommendation of the Chief Minister.

Radha Raturi's Contributions to State Development

Having held the position of additional chief secretary, Radha Raturi played a crucial role in various developmental activities in the state. She was tasked by the Dhami government with spearheading developmental initiatives, schemes, and programs. Notably, Raturi was instrumental in the success of the Global Investors Summit organized by the Dhami government in December 2023. Throughout her 36-year tenure, she has held several important positions, including Additional Chief Secretary for Women Empowerment, State Chief Electoral Officer, and District Magistrate of Dehradun.

Appointment Amid Impending Retirement

Assuming office as chief secretary, Raturi will serve until the end of March, given her imminent retirement within the next two months. Government sources suggest the possibility of a six-month extension post-retirement. Anil Raturi, husband of IAS Radha Raturi and a 1987 batch IPS officer, has also served as the DGP of Uttarakhand.

Trailblazing Women in Uttarakhand: In earlier milestones for women in Uttarakhand, Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, a 1973 batch IPS officer, became the state's first woman DGP in 2004. Additionally, Bina Sekhri, a 1980 batch woman IFS officer, assumed the role of Chief Conservator of Forests, the highest position in the Indian Forest Service in the state, in 2016.

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