A Historic First: Smt. Hari Chandana – A Popular appointment as Hyderabad Collector

The Wire

14-07-2025

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 14: Hyderabad, the vibrant capital of Telangana, is currently witnessing a significant moment in its administrative history. On June 13, 2025, Hari Chandana, a dynamic IAS officer of the 2010 batch from the Telangana cadre, assumed charge as the District Collector of Hyderabad. This is not merely a routine appointment; it is a landmark event that resonates deeply with the spirit of inclusive governance championed by the present Congress government led by Honorable Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy.
Hari Chandana's appointment to this crucial role is particularly momentous as she is widely recognized as the first Dalit woman to ever serve as the Collector of Hyderabad. Furthermore, her appointment makes her the most prominent Dalit officer to hold this pivotal position in the capital city since the past few decades. This dual achievement marks a remarkable step towards true representation and empowerment in the district's highest administrative echelons, making her a truly famous figure and a popular IAS.
A Career defined by Innovation and Social Impact – Making her a Popular IAS Officer Before taking over the reins of Hyderabad district administration, Hari Chandana had already carved out an impressive career for herself, which is marked by innovative approaches to public service and a deep commitment to sustainable development. She is also widely acclaimed by the stakeholders as a team player, always open to new ideas. Her prior roles as District Collector of Narayanpet and Nalgonda districts saw her spearhead various socially impactful initiatives touching the livelihoods of the common man. She gained significant recognition, thereby becoming popular for her work as Zonal Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for over five years in various capacities, where she was instrumental in leading urban infrastructure projects and introducing pioneering waste management practices.
Hari Chandana is famously known as an "Eco Warrior" for her relentless efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. She championed the recycling of millions of metric tons of plastic waste into usable materials like paver tiles and was instrumental in developing India's first pet park in Hyderabad, an initiative that significantly boosted her popularity. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, she empowered thousands of women by engaging them in mask-making and organic food production, thereby enhancing the quality of livelihoods and generating significant profits. Her other notable initiatives include "Mobile She Toilets" for women's sanitation, on the move. A unique all women enterprising endeavor called "Aarunya" was incorporated to support rural artisans through e-commerce, and pioneering "T-Consult-tele medicine' digital interactive initiative which connects the doctors with patients overcoming the geographical barriers thereby ensuring accessible healthcare for all, including the poorest of the poor. Her career path reflects a unique blend of administrative acumen, social consciousness, and a proactive approach to addressing societal and environmental challenges, enhancing her profile as a popular and an honest IAS officer.
The Significance of a historic Appointment: A famous Precedent Hari Chandana's appointment as Hyderabad Collector carries profound significance, especially when viewed through the lens of social and gender justice through administrative representation: • Breaking Barriers for Dalit Women Officers: Her role as the first Dalit woman Collector of Hyderabad is an empowering testament to the breaking of traditional barriers. It signifies not only individual achievement but also the expanding opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly women, to ascend to positions of leadership and social impact. This achievement will undoubtedly inspire countless young civil services aspirants and women from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in public service, knowing that hard work and dedication can lead them to the highest offices, making her a famous role model.
• Inclusive Governance in New Telangana: In the decade since Telangana's formation, the state has strived to build a progressive and inclusive identity. Hari Chandana's appointment as a leading Dalit officer at the helm of its capital city reinforces this commitment. It ensures that the administrative leadership reflects the diverse social fabric of the state, fostering greater trust and engagement between the government and its citizens.
Honorable Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy's Vision for Representative Leadership Hari Chandana's appointment was a key part of a major administrative reshuffle initiated by the present Congress government under the leadership of Honorable Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy. This administrative decision aligns perfectly with the Chief Minister's broader vision of social justice, equitable opportunities, and transparent governance.
The present state government has consistently emphasized its commitment to empowering marginalized communities and ensuring that the benefits of governance reach all sections of society. By placing a capable and trailblazing officer like Hari Chandana in such a crucial role, the government demonstrates its dedication to promoting diversity and competence within the bureaucracy. It signifies a proactive approach to administrative reform, where talent and a proven history of administrative contributions are recognized, irrespective of background. This move by the Congress regime reinforces the idea that leadership positions are open to all deserving officers, contributing to a more inclusive and representative public service in Telangana.
Hari Chandana's tenure as Hyderabad Collector is poised to be transformative. With her demonstrated commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community welfare, coupled with the political will of the present government, Hyderabad can look forward to an era of social governance that is not only efficient and progressive but also deeply rooted in principles of equity and social justice. Her leadership stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress at its highest levels, given the political will and an enabling platform to perform. Her famous initiatives and popular people centric approach will undoubtedly amplify the positive impact of her tenure.
Hari Chandana IAS: A Rising Symbol Among India's Most Famous IAS Officers With an enviable reputation for impactful governance and community-centric innovation, Hari Chandana IAS, popularly known as a change-maker, is steadily being recognized as one of India's most famous IAS officers in recent years. Her groundbreaking role as Hyderabad Collector isn't just a professional milestone—it's a reflection of her growing responsibility in the Indian administrative landscape. Her ability to combine sustainability, social equity, and people-oriented administration has set a new benchmark for what 21st-century governance should look like.
She's inspiring the next generation of civil servants to lead the Society both with a heart and a purpose laced with a missionary zeal for common good.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).