Heeralal Samariya joined the civil services as the DM of Karim Nagar in Telangana.
He was administered with the oath of office by the President of India in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
IAS Heeralal Samariya assumed office as the new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India on November 6, marking a historic moment as he became the first Dalit to hold this esteemed position. The solemn oath-taking ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of the President of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, among other notable dignitaries. This significant transition followed the retirement of former CIC Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha on October 3, which subsequently necessitated the fulfilment of the vacancy as per the directives of the Supreme Court.
Hailing from the tranquil village of Pahari in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, Heeralal Samariya’s journey to this influential role is a testament to his dedication and academic excellence. He was born on September 14, 1960, into an ordinary middle-class family, where his innate talent for learning shone brightly. As a diligent student, he excelled during his school years, paving the way for a future brimming with promise.
After completing his secondary education, Heeralal Samariya embarked on a journey of higher learning, opting for a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rajasthan. His thirst for knowledge and determination led him to appear for the prestigious Civil Services Examination in 1985, where he emerged successful, joining the elite Indian Administrative Services (IAS) cadre.
His initial assignment placed him in the Telangana cadre, where he took up the pivotal role of District Magistrate (DM) in Karimnagar. Subsequently, his dedication and commendable service earned him a promotion to the position of Joint Secretary within the Municipal Administration Secretariat in Hyderabad. Further displaying his administrative prowess, Heeralal Samariya served as the DM of the Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, adding valuable experience to his already illustrious career.
In 2018, he was entrusted with the pivotal role of Secretary within the Ministry of Labour & Employment, a significant department crucial to the nation’s welfare and labour force. His journey to this prestigious office included a stint as an Additional Secretary within the same department.
Notably, Heeralal Samariya’s stellar career culminated in his recent appointment as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), the highest position within the Central Information Commission. This remarkable accomplishment marked the pinnacle of his journey which commenced when he entered the IAS fold in 1985.