IAS officer Saumya Sharma, from the 2018 Maharashtra cadre, is known for her unique outlook and her ability to drive development through innovation. “You need to be challenged; life itself is a challenge,” she says. Currently serving as the CEO of Smart City Nagpur, she previously held the role of CEO of Zila Parishad, where she successfully launched impactful initiatives for rural development primarily focusing on education, women and child and livelihood generation. They all have created a great impact and she has managed to bring development in all the aspects of human life through her initiatives. One of the most prominent among them is the "Nai Kiran" programme, designed to help women from rural areas who were unable to complete their education. “The programme has been a game-changer, boosting the confidence of these women, and a second phase is already underway,” says Saumya. 

In addition to education, Saumya launched a financial literacy program in partnership with Zerodha to enhance financial understanding in rural communities. She also initiated "Little Innovator" and "Coffee with CEO”, where she held discussions with young innovators, and further aided them by collaborating with IIM’s and VNIT to provide them workshops from experts.

Apart from educational initiatives she has also launched health projects to combat malnutrition by providing diet plans. Additionally, her launch of the "Divyang Unnati Nagpur Portal" has been instrumental in promoting inclusive development.

As the CEO of Smart City, Saumya Sharma continues to take her vision forward, aiming to achieve new heights in urban governance and development.

(Read in-depth about her initiatives in  November issue  of Whispers in the Corridors)