Rohini Sindhuri, IAS: Profile, Wiki, Husband, Family and Age

Rohini Sindhuri Dasari, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2009 Karnataka cadre, is widely recognized for her exemplary contributions to public administration, governance, and social initiatives. Born on May 30, 1984, in Andhra Pradesh, India, she has emerged as a trailblazer in civil services, blending academic brilliance with a relentless commitment to public welfare. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 43 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, Rohini Sindhuri’s journey from a small-town student to a prominent bureaucrat is an inspiring tale of determination, resilience, and leadership.

Early Life and Education

Rohini Sindhuri was born into a middle-class family in Andhra Pradesh, where her father served in a government job, instilling in her a sense of duty toward public service. Growing up in a disciplined household, she attended Kendriya Vidyalaya, a chain of central government schools known for nurturing talent across India. Her academic prowess shone early, laying a solid foundation for her future achievements.

After completing her schooling, Rohini pursued a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the University of Hyderabad, one of India’s premier institutions. Her choice of engineering reflected her analytical mindset and problem-solving skills—qualities that would later define her administrative career. However, after a brief stint at Shell, a multinational corporation, she realized her true calling lay in civil services. In an interview, she famously remarked, “I did not want to end up designing boilers. Civil services is a profession close to politics and the media, and every day is a challenge.” This pivotal decision led her to prepare for the UPSC examination, one of the toughest competitive exams in India.

In 2009, Rohini cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an impressive AIR of 43, scoring 55.78% marks. She opted for the Karnataka cadre, marking the beginning of a transformative career in public administration.

Career Journey as an IAS Officer

Rohini Sindhuri’s IAS career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. Her first posting was as Assistant Commissioner in Tumakuru, Karnataka, where she gained hands-on experience in grassroots governance. This role allowed her to address local issues, manage development projects, and understand the intricacies of administration at the district level.

Key Postings and Achievements

1. Director of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department (2013-2014)
   Stationed in Bengaluru, Rohini served as Director of the Self-Employment Project under the Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department. Her focus on rural empowerment and sustainable livelihoods showcased her ability to implement large-scale initiatives effectively.
2. CEO of Mandya Zilla Panchayat (2014-2015)
   One of her most impactful tenures came as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mandya Zilla Panchayat. Here, she spearheaded a cleanliness drive under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aiming to provide individual toilets to 1.02 lakh households. By 2015, over 80,000 toilets were constructed, earning Mandya the top rank in Karnataka and third place nationally in the cleanliness mission. Her innovative “Munjane” program encouraged villagers to adopt sanitation practices, while her efficient use of a Rs. 65 crore central government grant established over 100 drinking water units. Impressed by her efforts, the Union Government allocated an additional Rs. 6 crore for the initiative.
   Rohini also launched a mobile app for downloading property documents, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for citizens. Her stellar performance led to her selection as one of three resource persons by the Union Government to train District Collectors in New Delhi in 2015.
3. Deputy Commissioner of Hassan (2017-2019)
   Appointed as Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Hassan in July 2017, Rohini tackled pressing issues like sand mafia activities and educational reforms. Under her leadership, Hassan jumped from 31st to 1st in Karnataka’s SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) results within two years. However, her tenure was marred by political pressure, leading to a premature transfer in 2018. After challenging the decision in the Karnataka High Court and winning, she was reinstated by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. In 2019, she launched the Spandana Online Portal, an innovative grievance redressal system, enhancing administrative transparency.
4. Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru (2020-2021)
   As DC of Mysuru, Rohini focused on heritage preservation and public welfare. Her tenure coincided with allegations of irregularities, including the renovation of Jala Sannidhi, the DC’s official residence, with a swimming pool and gym. These claims, raised by politician S.R. Mahesh in 2022, led to a government investigation. Her public spat with Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Shilpa Nag further escalated tensions, resulting in her transfer to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
5. Later Roles
   After serving as Commissioner for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Rohini was appointed Chief Editor of the Karnataka Gazette Department. Her career reflects a pattern of impactful postings interspersed with controversies, highlighting the challenges faced by upright officers in India’s bureaucracy.

Personal Life

Rohini Sindhuri is married to Sudhir Reddy, a software engineer and businessman from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The couple has a son, and despite her demanding career, Rohini maintains a low profile regarding her family life. She is fluent in Telugu (her mother tongue), Kannada, Hindi, and English, which has aided her in connecting with diverse communities across Karnataka.

Her personal life briefly came under scrutiny following the tragic suicide of her batchmate, IAS officer D.K. Ravi, in 2015. Ravi, who reportedly proposed to her, took his life after her rejection, as she was already married. The incident sparked widespread speculation, though Rohini has refrained from public comments on the matter.

Controversies and Challenges

Rohini Sindhuri’s career has not been without turbulence. Notable controversies include:

• Public Spat with IPS Officer D. Roopa (2023)
  In a widely publicized feud, IPS officer D. Roopa accused Rohini of violating service conduct rules by sharing personal photos with male IAS officers. Roopa’s allegations, including claims of “nude” pictures, led to a media storm. Rohini dismissed the accusations as baseless, citing personal vendetta, and both officers were transferred without postings by the Karnataka government.
• Land Encroachment Allegations by Lucky Ali (2022-2024)
  Singer Lucky Ali accused Rohini, her husband Sudhir Reddy, and brother-in-law Madhusudan Reddy of illegally encroaching on his trust’s property in Bengaluru’s Yelahanka area. Filing a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta, Ali alleged misuse of state resources, bringing renewed scrutiny to her reputation.
• Premature Transfers
  Her stints in Hassan and Mysuru were marked by premature transfers, often attributed to conflicts with local politicians and influential lobbies. Her legal battles to retain postings underscore her resolve to uphold administrative integrity.

Legacy and Impact

Rohini Sindhuri’s contributions to sanitation, education, and digital governance have left an indelible mark on Karnataka. Her recognition as a Swachh Bharat champion, coupled with her efforts to streamline public services, reflects her commitment to societal progress. Despite controversies, her resilience and focus on development continue to inspire aspiring civil servants.

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Top Ten Interesting Facts About Rohini Sindhuri

1. UPSC Rank: Secured AIR 43 in the 2009 UPSC Civil Services Examination.
2. Engineering Background: Holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the University of Hyderabad.
3. Swachh Bharat Star: Led Mandya to national prominence in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
4. First Posting: Began her IAS career as Assistant Commissioner in Tumakuru.
5. Innovator: Launched the Spandana Online Portal for grievance redressal in Hassan.
6. Multilingual: Fluent in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English.
7. Legal Fighter: Successfully challenged a premature transfer in the Karnataka High Court.
8. Controversial Feud: Engaged in a high-profile spat with IPS officer D. Roopa in 2023.
9. Lucky Ali Case: Accused by singer Lucky Ali of land encroachment in 2022-2024.
10. Family Ties: Married to Sudhir Reddy, a businessman, with whom she has a son.

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FAQs About Rohini Sindhuri, IAS

1. What is Rohini Sindhuri’s UPSC rank?
   She secured All India Rank 43 in the 2009 UPSC examination.
2. Where was Rohini Sindhuri born?
   She was born in Andhra Pradesh, India, on May 30, 1984.
3. What is her educational qualification?
   She holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the University of Hyderabad.
4. Who is Rohini Sindhuri’s husband?
   She is married to Sudhir Reddy, a software engineer and businessman.
5. What is her most notable achievement?
   Leading Mandya to the top rank in Karnataka under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
6. Why was she transferred from Mysuru?
   Her transfer followed a public spat with Shilpa Nag and allegations of irregularities.
7. What controversy involved D.K. Ravi?
   Her batchmate D.K. Ravi proposed to her, and his suicide in 2015 sparked speculation.
8. What did Lucky Ali accuse her of?
   He alleged she misused state resources to encroach on his land in Bengaluru.
9. Which languages does she speak?
   She is fluent in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English.
10. What is her current posting as of March 2025?
    Specific details may vary, but she has served as Chief Editor of the Karnataka Gazette Department in recent years.

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