Telangana Sets An Example With Record Number Of Women District Collectors

Telangana is making waves in public administration with a strong presence of women district collectors across the state. In a field still dominated by men in many parts of India, Telangana stands out for the number of women in top district leadership roles, heading administration, development work, and implementation of key government schemes.

It sends a message to young girls, to government offices, and to the public at large that leadership can be calm, firm, responsive, and inclusive at the same time.

These women officers are managing complex districts, handling pressure without noise, and making governance feel more accessible.

Hari Chandana Dasari: Hyderabad District

Hari Chandana Dasari (born August 31, 1984) is an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 2010 batch, Telangana cadre. She has served as District Collector of Nalgonda and Narayanpet districts, and as a Zonal Commissioner for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). She is the first Dalit woman to hold this position.

Her work has focused on urban development and environmental initiatives. Currently, she is the district collector of Hyderabad, the state capital and one of the most complex administrative zones in Telangana. Overseeing everything from urban development to public services, she plays a key role in coordinating multiple departments in a fast-moving city environment.

Pamela Satpathy: Karimnagar District

She is a 2015-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Telangana cadre, known for her initiatives in education, health, and social welfare as a District Collector. Previously a software engineer at Infosys and a researcher, she transitioned to civil services, gaining recognition for promoting government school education and health services.

Abhilasha Abhinav: Nirmal District

Abhilasha Abhinav is a 2018 batch IAS officer of the Telangana cadre, currently serving as a District Collector and District Magistrate (e.g., Nirmal district), known for initiatives in maternal healthcare like 'Amma Rakshitha'. She secured AIR 18 in the 2017 UPSC Civil Services Exam. Her responsibilities include strengthening local governance, supporting artisans, and improving basic services like health, education, and transport.

P. Pravinya: Sangareddy District

She is a 2016 batch IAS officer of the Telangana cadre, born on November 21, 1992, with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical from BITS Pilani. She has served as a Collector and District Magistrate, with notable postings in Telangana, including Sangareddy district. She was transferred from the Karnataka cadre to Telangana due to marriage. As a collector, she works on infrastructure planning, agricultural schemes, and social initiatives that support farmers and urban residents alike.

Garima Agrawal: Rajanna Sircilla District

Garima Agrawal, a 2019-batch IAS officer from Telangana cadre, serves as Additional Collector (Local Bodies) in Rajanna-Sircilla, Telangana. She holds a B.Tech. in Computer Applications from IIIT Hyderabad. Born on 28/12/1991, she has demonstrated dedication and commitment in her role, contributing effectively to local governance and administration. Agrawal's service as an Additional Collector showcases her leadership and administrative skills in managing local bodies' affairs.