A physician authoring a book on digital technology might seem unusual, but Dr. Samit Sharma(IAS), an MD specializing in pediatric medicine, has crossed this boundary with ease. His recent publication, “Digital revolution in social sector: Transforming 10 million lives using e-governance,” serves as a guiding doctrine for civil servants aiming to revolutionize the social sector.
The book’s launch was graced by Rajasthan’s chief secretary Usha Sharma and director general of police Umesh Mishra. The foreword was provided by Dr. K K Pathak, the finance secretary of the Rajasthan government. Additionally, V Srinivas, the secretary of the department of administrative reforms and public grievance, Government of India, elaborated on the critical role of civil servants in establishing a digital India. Srinivas, a senior officer of the 1989 Rajasthan cadre on central deputation, was joined by other high-ranking officials including Shubhra Singh and Hemant Priyadarshy, for the event, with IAS officers Ravi Jain and Arushi Malik hosting the stage activities.
Dr. Sharma’s journey of innovation and excellence dates back to his early career as an IAS officer in 2004. Renowned for pioneering impactful solutions, he initiated the use of generic medicine during his tenure as Chittorgarh collector. Within just four years of his service, he executed this groundbreaking idea, benefiting over half a million patients. This initiative earned him the Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2008, marking it as an exemplary administrative practice.
Fast forward 15 years, Sharma has matured into an experienced bureaucrat with a continuous drive to reform governmental operations. His journey from enhancing the health of 500,000 patients in 2008 to impacting 10 million lives with digital interventions is noteworthy.
Currently, as the secretary of the social justice and empowerment department, Sharma recognized the importance of employing advanced technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in the administration of pensions, scholarships, and other financial benefit schemes. His vision to transform the social sector through technological advancements is detailed in his book, which encapsulates the innovations he envisaged.
