Chhattisgarh’s Nari Shakti Model: Women Now Lead 12 Districts as Collectors

Chhattisgarh is witnessing a major shift in governance with women officers taking charge of key administrative roles. After the latest reshuffle, 12 of the state’s 33 districts now have women Collectors. The Vishnu Deo Sai government’s focus on Nari Shakti is reflected across district administration, Home Department and other crucial governance positions.

Raipur: Chhattisgarh is emerging as an example of women-led governance, with the Vishnu Deo Sai Government increasing the representation of women officers in key administrative positions across the state.

With the latest administrative reshuffle, 12 out of Chhattisgarh’s 33 districts now have women Collectors, marking a significant milestone in women’s participation in public administration.

New Appointments Strengthen Women’s Leadership

The recent reshuffle saw IAS officer Jayashree Jain appointed as Collector of Sakti district and Tanuja Salam take charge as Collector of Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki. Meanwhile, Tulika Prajapati, already serving as a woman Collector, has been transferred to Kabirdham district.

The Collector’s post holds immense importance as it represents the government at the district level and oversees development programmes, revenue administration, law and order, and delivery of public services.

Women Officers Handling Key Governance Roles

The rise of women officers is not limited to district administration. Senior IAS officer Niharika Barik is heading the Home and Jail Department as Principal Secretary, one of the state’s most important administrative departments.

Other women officers have also received important responsibilities, including Roma Srivastava as CEO of District Panchayat Surguja, Akanksha Shikha as Director of Sports and Youth Welfare, and Leena Kosam as Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Durg.

Beyond Welfare: Women Leading Core Administration

The growing presence of women officers highlights a shift in governance where women are being entrusted with critical responsibilities beyond traditional welfare departments.

From home affairs and revenue administration to urban development and district management, women officers are now playing a central role in decision-making and policy implementation.

‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh’ Focus on Women Empowerment

The Vishnu Deo Sai Government has declared 2026 as ‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh’, reflecting its focus on women’s dignity, participation and empowerment.

The increasing number of women in senior bureaucratic roles aligns with this broader vision of strengthening women’s leadership in public institutions.

A New Message for Aspiring Women Leaders

The appointment of women in powerful administrative positions is being seen as more than a routine reshuffle. It represents a changing governance approach where women are becoming visible leaders in government systems.

With 12 districts now headed by women Collectors and women officers managing crucial departments, Chhattisgarh’s Nari Shakti model is drawing attention as an example of inclusive leadership and administrative transformation.