- IAS Sakshi Sawhney leads Amritsar flood relief
- First woman Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar
- UPSC Rank 6 officer’s inspiring journey
- Focus on women empowerment and governance
IAS Sakshi Sawhney has emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience for Amritsar during recent devastating floods. As the first woman Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Amritsar, she has personally led relief operations, connecting closely with flood-affected communities and spearheading rescue efforts. Her hands-on leadership and compassion have earned her widespread admiration, especially among women and the elderly in the region.
Trailblazing Leadership in Crisis
Sakshi Sawhney, a 2014-batch IAS officer from Punjab cadre, demonstrated exemplary crisis management amid rising floodwaters in Amritsar. She coordinated rescue and relief with the Army, NDRF, and State Disaster Response Force, activating control rooms and deploying boats to vulnerable areas. Her daily visits to affected villages, direct engagement with residents, and supervision of evacuation and relief camps emphasize her commitment on the ground. Locals have warmly embraced her presence, with many women tearfully expressing gratitude for her support during challenging times.
Academic Excellence and Inspiring Journey
Sakshi’s journey boasts impressive academic and professional achievements. She secured All India Rank 6 in the 2013 UPSC Civil Services exam after an initial setback. A law graduate from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, she earned eight gold medals, topping her batch. Born into a family dedicated to public service—her father a retired IRS officer, mother a school principal, and sister a banker—she draws strength from this legacy. Her decision to enter civil services was driven by a desire to impact society meaningfully.
Breaking Barriers for Women
As the first female DC of Amritsar since British times, Ms. Sawhney is breaking gender barriers in governance. Her previous roles included Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana and Patiala. She focuses on sustainable development, transparent governance, education, women empowerment, and effective schemes for citizens. Her approachable style and use of official social media platforms enhance direct citizen engagement.
IAS Sakshi Sawhney’s leadership during flood relief exemplifies the dedication and empathy expected of modern civil servants. Her inspiring journey continues to motivate many aspiring officers across India.
Her visible commitment during emergencies reinforces trust in governance and highlights the crucial role of women leaders in administration.
