Rohini Bhajibhakare, IAS - A Biographical and Personal Profile
Personal Profile:
- Full Name: Rohini R. Bhajibhakare (married name: Rohini Bidari)
- Date of Birth: October 31, 1984
- Place of Birth: Solapur, Maharashtra, India
- Profession: Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer
- Education:
- Completed schooling in her village and Solapur
- B.Tech in Computer Science from Government College of Engineering, Pune
Family Details:
Rohini comes from a modest background with a strong family influence:
- Father: Ramdas Bhajibhakare, a farmer from Uplai village in Solapur district, known for inspiring her to become an IAS officer to aid people like him in their struggles with bureaucracy.
- Mother: Suvernalata Bhajibhakare, a homemaker.
- Marital Status: Married to Vijyendra Bidari, an IPS officer. Vijyendra is the son of former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Shanker Bidari and serves in the Rajasthan cadre.
- Children: They have a son named Abhijay.
Career:
- IAS Journey: Rohini Bhajibhakare became an IAS officer in the 2008 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre. She cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her very first attempt without any formal coaching, securing a credible All India Rank.
- Notable Roles:
- Started her career as an Assistant Collector in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
- Served in various capacities, including:
- Sub-Collector in Tindivanam and Cheranmahadevi
- Additional Collector in Madurai
- Made history by becoming the first female Collector of Salem district in over 170 years.
- Later served as the CEO of Employment Guarantee Council and was involved in significant administrative roles like the Director of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj.
- In 2025, she was relieved to join central deputation as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Higher Education.
- Recognition:
- Known for her innovative approaches to governance, like promoting sanitation in Salem and ensuring government policies reached the grassroots level.
- Her work in Madurai made it the first district in Tamil Nadu to be declared open defecation free.
Recent News and Controversies:
- Recent News:
- In January 2025, Rohini Bhajibhakare was relieved from her state duties to join central deputation as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, marking a significant transition in her career.
- Controversies:
- Transfer Controversy: In July 2019, there were protests by the Akila Bharatha Hindu Maha Sabha against her transfer from the position of Salem collector, indicating her popularity and the impact she had in her role.
- No Major Controversies: Generally, her tenure has been marked by commendable service rather than controversies, though administrative decisions can always attract criticism or political commentary.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Rohini Bhajibhakare:
- Rags to Riches: From the daughter of a small-time farmer to an IAS officer, her story is one of determination and inspiration.
- Self-Taught Success: Rohini cleared the UPSC exam on her first attempt with no formal coaching, a rare feat in civil services preparation.
- Historical Milestone: She broke a 170-year-old glass ceiling by becoming the first woman Collector of Salem district.
- Family Legacy: Her marriage to an IPS officer created an influential bureaucratic couple, with her sister-in-law also being an IAS officer.
- Community Impact: Her work in making Madurai open defecation free and her sanitation drive in Salem left a lasting impact on public health.
- Educational Background: Her engineering degree before opting for civil services shows her diverse interest and capability.
- Public Engagement: Known for her surprise checks in schools, hospitals, and rural areas, showing her commitment to public welfare.
- Innovative Governance: She's recognized for employing innovative methods in administration, like using WhatsApp for communication with teachers and students.
- Cultural Integration: Her efforts in rural development often include cultural elements, promoting local traditions alongside development.
- Central Deputation: Her move to a central role in 2025 reflects her rising stature in Indian administration, showcasing her as a key player on a national level.
Rohini Bhajibhakare's career exemplifies how dedication, innovation, and a focus on public service can lead to pioneering work in governance, especially in areas traditionally less served.
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