Introduction
J. Innocent Divya, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2009 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre, has carved a niche for herself with her exceptional administrative skills and commitment to environmental and social causes. Best known for her tenure as the District Collector of Nilgiris, she has been a beacon of integrity, innovation, and development in her roles.
Early Life and Education
Born as F. Innocent Divya, she legally changed her name to J. Innocent Divya in June 2014, reflecting her personal evolution. Details about her early life remain private, but her academic rigor and determination paved her path to joining the IAS. Her educational journey equipped her with the necessary acumen to tackle the complexities of public administration.
Career Milestones
- Early Career: Before her stint as the Collector of Nilgiris, Divya served in various capacities within the Tamil Nadu government. She was a special officer at the Chief Minister's Cell, worked with the Chennai Corporation, and held the position of Deputy Secretary in the Food and Consumer Protection Department.
- Collector of Nilgiris (2017-2021): Her appointment as the Collector of the Nilgiris district in July 2017 marked the beginning of her most notable administrative achievements. The Nilgiris, known for its biodiversity and as a UNESCO World Heritage site, faced significant challenges with tourism's environmental impact. Divya's focus was dual: safeguarding the ecology and uplifting the tribal communities.
- Environmental Initiatives: Under her leadership, initiatives like the "Unnadha Udhagai" or "Sublime Udhagai" project were launched, which included a stringent ban on plastic, the implementation of solid waste management, and the protection of the Segur Valley Elephant Corridor. She was instrumental in closing down unauthorized resorts in the corridor and received commendation from the Supreme Court for her work, which led to a directive not to transfer her from Nilgiris until further orders, showcasing her impact on environmental conservation.
- Social Work: Divya established community kitchens to address malnutrition among tribal children, supported women's health, and initiated ITIs for skill development among dropouts, ensuring employment opportunities within the local area.
- Post-Nilgiris: After her remarkable tenure in Nilgiris, J. Innocent Divya was appointed as the Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, where she continued her legacy of development by focusing on skill enhancement and job creation. Her promotion to the Selection Grade in 2022 further acknowledged her contributions to public service.
Challenges and Controversies
While her career is marked by significant achievements, Divya has also navigated through political and administrative challenges. Her stance against vested interests in environmental protection in Nilgiris, particularly with the elephant corridor issue, led to public interest litigations and judicial oversight, highlighting her role in the often contentious intersection of development and conservation.
Personal Life
J. Innocent Divya keeps her personal life relatively private, which is not uncommon for public servants in India. There are mentions in public records that she is not Hindu, adding to the diversity within India's administrative services. Her steadfast focus has been on her professional commitments, leaving little room for public insight into her personal endeavors.
Recognition and Awards
- Green Award (2018): Her environmental initiatives in Nilgiris earned her the Green Award from the Tamil Nadu government.
- Public and Judicial Recognition: The Supreme Court's directive to keep her in Nilgiris for her environmental work is a unique accolade in itself.
Conclusion
J. Innocent Divya stands as an example of what dedicated public service can achieve in terms of environmental protection and social welfare. Her journey from an IAS officer to a key figure in skill development in Tamil Nadu illustrates a career built on integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to public good. Her continued work in public administration promises further advancements in policy and practice for the betterment of society.
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Akka na ungala miss panren
ReplyDeleteAkka you are super
ReplyDeleteSHE IS NOT HINDU...
ReplyDelete