Government of AP, Roads, Transport and Building Department is lucky to have on board IAS Officer Sumita Dawra. She worked in Karimnagar as District Collector between 2001 and 2004, and penned her experiences in Poor But Spirited in Karimnagar: Field Notes of a Civil Servant.
She was instrumental in initiating several programmes to uplift the poor sectors of the district. As a collector, she tried to get to the grass-roots level to solve issues. She kept an open door policy and was accessible by the public for consultation.
Talking about h3er other postings, she says, “My postings as Collector Karimnagar (2001-04), in Ministry of Finance in Government of India (2008-2011) and as Minister/Counsellor (Economic wing) in Indian Embassy at Beijing, China, were my most memorable times. In fact, every posting brought a great opportunity to serve, which I sincerely believe I did.”
In her last posting as Principal Secretary, Higher Education, she brought in Private Universities into AP and boosted State Universities through foreign collaborations. “I want to contribute my knowledge and wisdom in policy making and programme implementation for the development of the country,” she says.
“I especially want to work towards better education and health of the people.”
Talking about her choice of career she said she was inspired by her father who believed that IAS would be empowering and would help her become independent. She said about working in a male-dominant field, “It is true one has to make more effort to prove oneself as a lady officer. However, I did not mind that as I always enjoyed my work and worked hard to make a difference in lives of people.”
While the hero served to strengthen the systems that she worked in, it was a hard task striking a balance between her personal and professional life. Shifting from one place to another not only affected her, but also her family.
She shares a special bond with her daughter. “We have an evolving relationship, we learn from each other, support and nurture each other.”
Talking about how she unwinds, Sumita says, “I like to write, read, watch movies and meet friends. These activities help me take my mind off work, and relax.”
