Rajasthan cadre’s most popular IAS officer, Tina Dabi, has taken on a new and significant role as the Commissioner of the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS). This new assignment coincides with her return to work after approximately one year of maternity leave. The state government appointed Dabi to this crucial position last month, entrusting her with the comprehensive responsibility of implementing and monitoring the Central Government’s National Employment Guarantee Scheme across the state. This program, operated under the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, impacts the lives of lakhs of people within Rajasthan.
Tina Dabi, who gained widespread recognition as the UPSC topper of the 2015 batch, is currently balancing two very demanding roles. As the EGS Commissioner, she oversees the extensive work involved in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This scheme aims to provide job security and improve rural livelihoods through the distribution of public employment opportunities. But aside from her professional duties, Dabi is also fully committed to her familial role, particularly to her eight-month-old son. She gave birth to her son in September 2023 and is navigating the complexities of being a new mother alongside her demanding job.
Dabi’s personal life has also captured public interest. In 2022, she married for the second time to fellow IAS officer Pradeep Gawande, who is also from the Rajasthan cadre but hails from Maharashtra. This union has drawn significant attention given both officers’ prominent roles within the bureaucratic framework. Moreover, Tina Dabi’s younger sister, Riya Dabi, is also an IAS officer serving in Rajasthan, making them one of the most notable families in the Indian administrative circles.
Before her current role, Tina Dabi served as the Collector of Jaisalmer, where she made headlines through her significant actions regarding the settlements of Pakistani Hindu migrants. Her administration was instrumental in the rehabilitation of these migrants and their families. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, Dabi’s efforts led to successful rehabilitation initiatives, underscoring her commitment to social justice.
. Remarkably, she continued these efforts while she was pregnant, earning admiration from many. During one of her visits to these migrant settlements, an elderly woman blessed her, predicting she would have a son. This moment was captured on video and went viral on social media, further endearing her to the public.
Balancing her dual responsibilities continues to be a challenging yet rewarding task for Tina Dabi. Her role as EGS Commissioner involves a wide array of duties, from policy formulation to on-ground implementation and monitoring. The MGNREGA program, under her supervision, aims to guarantee rural employment and address issues such as rural poverty and migration. Given the scheme’s importance and the number of lives it affects, the stakes are extraordinarily high. Yet, Dabi’s track record suggests she’s more than equipped to handle these challenges.
Her return to work has been marked by enthusiasm and support from both her colleagues and the public. Many have applauded her ability to juggle her professional obligations with her responsibilities as a new mother. This juggling act is emblematic of the evolving role of women in the workforce, particularly within high-stakes fields like the Indian Administrative Service. Tina Dabi herself has spoken about the challenges and joys of motherhood, emphasizing the support she has received from her family and colleagues.
As she continues to navigate this next chapter in her career and personal life, Tina Dabi remains a figure of inspiration and resilience. Her journey highlights the significant contributions of women in governance and public administration, encouraging aspiring female officers to pursue their career ambitions without compromising on their personal lives. With her continued dedication and hard work, Dabi is set to make substantial contributions to the state’s development and the well-being of its people. Her ability to manage such crucial responsibilities concurrently makes her not just a competent officer, but also a role model for many.
