Harjot Kaur Bamhrah is a seasoned IAS officer from the 1992 batch of the Bihar cadre, currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Social Welfare, Patna. Born on 11 May 1967 in Maharashtra, she is 57 years old and has had a prolific career in public administration, holding key positions in various departments. She joined the IAS on 11 September 1992 and has served as District Magistrate in several districts, including Katihar and Begusarai. Harjot Kaur is known for her strong administrative decisions and is often in the news for her candid responses. Read full details about Harjot Kaur Bamhrah IAS biography, age, husband, cadre, and current posting.
Quick Info Of Harjot Kaur Bamhrah IAS
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Harjot Kaur Bamhrah |
| Profession | IAS Officer |
| Batch | 1992 |
| Cadre Allotment | Bihar |
| Date of Joining | 11 September 1992 |
| Retirement Date | 31 May 2027 |
| Current Posting | Additional Chief Secretary, Dept. of Social Welfare, Patna |
| First Posting | Deputy Development Commissioner, Patna (1995) |
| Date of Birth | 11 May 1967 |
| Age | 57 years (as of 2024) |
| Birth Place | Maharashtra |
| Home State | Maharashtra |
| Educational Qualifications | – M.Phil. in International Studies from JNU, New Delhi – PG Diploma in International Law from IAILD, New Delhi – M.A. in International Trade from Duke University, North Carolina |
| In News | Controversy over sanitary pad provision at public event |
| Husband | Not Publicly Available |
Early Life and Education
Harjot Kaur was born on 11 May 1967 in Maharashtra, where she completed her early education. She later pursued higher education in prominent institutions and achieved significant academic milestones. Harjot Kaur holds several prestigious degrees, which helped her excel in her IAS career.
Educational Qualifications
- M.Phil. in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- PG Diploma in International Law from IAILD, New Delhi
- M.A. in International Trade from Duke University, North Carolina
Career Milestones
Harjot Kaur Bamhrah began her career as an IAS officer in 1992 and has served in various capacities across multiple departments. Her first major posting was as the Deputy Development Commissioner in Patna in 1995. Since then, she has gone on to serve as a District Magistrate in several districts and held prominent roles in the Bihar state administration.
Here are some of the key roles she has held:
- Deputy Development Commissioner, Patna – 1995 to 1996
- District Magistrate – Katihar and Begusarai
- Additional Commissioner, Commercial Taxes Dept. – 2004 to 2005
- Deputy Secretary, Govt. of India (Personnel & Public Grievances) – 2005 to 2006
- Managing Director, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Dept. – 2011 to 2015
- Secretary, Tourism Dept., Bihar – 2015 to 2016
- Additional Chief Secretary, Geology & Mines Dept., Bihar – 2022 to 2024
- Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Patna – Current Posting (2024)
Controversies and Public Appearances
Harjot Kaur Bamhrah has been known for her outspoken views and has made headlines on several occasions. One notable incident occurred in a public event in Patna in 2022, where a schoolgirl questioned her about the provision of sanitary pads by the government. Harjot’s response, which emphasized self-reliance over free provisions, sparked a public debate and made her a topic of discussion across media platforms.
In the event, Harjot Kaur candidly replied, “Why should the government give everything for free? Where does it stop? If sanitary pads are provided today, tomorrow it will be jeans, shoes, and eventually even contraception.”
While this response drew criticism, it also highlighted her straightforward approach to public policy and administration.
Personal Life
Harjot Kaur Bamhrah keeps her personal life private, and there is no publicly available information regarding her husband or family details.
Harjot Kaur Bamhrah is a dedicated IAS officer who has made a significant impact on the administration of Bihar. With a strong academic background and diverse roles in both state and central governments, she has built a reputation for her strong administrative capabilities. Despite the occasional controversy, her contributions to governance and public service are noteworthy.