Ms. Ranjana Chopra IAS (Odisha 1994) presently Special Secretary & Financial Adviser,
Ministry of Culture has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Tribal Affairs
(rank and pay of Secretary ) on 01.10.2025. Ms. Ranjana Chopra will take over as Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 31.10.2025.
Who is IAS Ranjana Chopra | Ms. Ranjana Chopra, IAS, is an accomplished civil servant with an illustrious career spanning more than two decades across diverse domains of governance. She is presently serving as Special Secretary & Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Culture and has now been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Known for her administrative acumen, strong grounding in public service, and dedication to inclusive development, Ms. Chopra has consistently worked towards empowering communities, strengthening institutions, and ensuring good governance in multiple sectors.
Academically, Ms. Chopra holds a rich and diverse educational background. She completed her graduation in Arts with distinction, pursued LL.B. from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and later went on to earn a Master’s degree in Health Management from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, where she passed with merit. This combination of law, administration, and international exposure has provided her with a strong foundation to handle complex policy issues and deliver results in critical areas of governance.
In her current role as Special Secretary & Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Culture, she has been instrumental in providing strategic financial oversight and policy support, ensuring that cultural programs and institutions across India receive effective administrative and financial management. Prior to this, she served as Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser in the same ministry, demonstrating her ability to handle responsibilities with diligence and foresight.
Her state-level assignments in Odisha have been equally significant. She served as Principal Secretary of the SC & ST Development Department, where she worked extensively for the upliftment of marginalized communities, focusing on welfare programs, education, and inclusive development. Her tenure as Commissioner-cum-Secretary in the Cooperation Department and later as Principal Secretary to Government in the same department showcased her leadership in strengthening cooperative institutions and promoting rural and agricultural development. She also contributed meaningfully as Commissioner & Secretary in the Department of School Education, where she worked towards improving the quality of education and administration in Odisha.
Ms. Chopra has also been deeply associated with administrative training and capacity building. Her tenure at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, in various senior positions, including Deputy Director and Joint Director, reflects her commitment to shaping future civil servants and strengthening India’s administrative framework. At LBSNAA, she played a key role in training, research, and policy development, ensuring that young officers received the right mix of academic knowledge and practical exposure.
Her career also reflects a deep commitment to public health and social welfare. As Project Director of the AIDS Control Cell and later the Orissa Health Systems Development Project (OHSDP), she took forward crucial health initiatives aimed at disease control, prevention, and strengthening healthcare systems in the state. Her contributions in these roles underline her sensitivity to issues of public health and her ability to handle complex, multi-sectoral projects.
At the district administration level, Ms. Chopra’s leadership as District Collector and Magistrate of Dhenkanal and Additional District Magistrate of Cuttack displayed her strong grassroots connect and ability to handle issues of governance at the ground level. Her tenure in these positions was marked by efforts to ensure efficient service delivery, effective law and order management, and community development.
Her journey has also included important roles in planning, general administration, and settlement operations in Odisha, giving her a holistic understanding of governance across multiple departments. This wide exposure has equipped her with the versatility and vision needed for senior policymaking roles at the national level.
With her new appointment as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ms. Chopra brings with her years of experience in social justice, welfare, and empowerment. Given her past achievements in SC/ST development and her deep understanding of tribal welfare issues, she is well-positioned to contribute significantly towards inclusive policies for India’s tribal communities.
A committed and resourceful administrator, Ms. Ranjana Chopra embodies the values of integrity, dedication, and professionalism. Her career is a testimony to her unwavering commitment to public service, her ability to work across varied sectors, and her passion for inclusive and sustainable development. As she steps into her new role, her leadership is expected to further strengthen the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in achieving its mission of tribal empowerment and holistic development.
INdianBureaucracy.com wishes Ms. Ranjana Chopra the very best.