The current collector of Ernakulam district in Kerala, India is Dr. Renu Raj IAS. She took charge as the district collector of Ernakulam in June 2022, replacing S. Suhas IAS who was transferred to Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. Renu Raj is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2011 batch from the Kerala cadre. As the district collector, she is the administrative head of Ernakulam district and is responsible for revenue administration, law and order, development activities, and disaster management in the district.
Profile of Dr. Renu Raj IAS, Collector of Ernakulam
Dr. Renu Raj hails from Kannur district in Kerala. She completed her MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal in 2001. After working as a doctor for a few years, she cleared the UPSC civil services examination in 2011 and was allotted to the Kerala cadre of IAS. Prior to becoming the collector of Ernakulam, she served in various positions in the Kerala government including:
- Sub-collector of Devikulam
- Additional Mission Director, National Health Mission
- Director, Scheduled Caste Development Department
- Joint Secretary, Labour and Skills Department
- Managing Director, Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala
As an IAS officer, Dr. Renu Raj is known for her humble and down-to-earth nature along with strong administrative capabilities. She interacts closely with the public to understand their issues and grievances. Under her leadership, Ernakulam district administration has launched several new welfare initiatives focused on education, healthcare, skill development, and support for marginalized sections. Her prior experience in the health sector has helped strengthen the COVID-19 preventive measures in Ernakulam district.
Key responsibilities of the district collector
As the district collector, Dr. Renu Raj is responsible for the following functions in Ernakulam district:
- Revenue administration including land records, land acquisition, disaster management, etc.
- Maintenance of law and order, overseeing police administration
- Implementation of government schemes and welfare programs
- Regulatory functions related to revenue collection, excise, transport, etc.
- Development activities through District Rural Development Agency, line departments
- Supervision of local bodies like panchayats and municipalities
- Conduct of elections
- Crisis and disaster response management
- Grievance redressal and public outreach
The collector is assisted by sub-collectors, tahsildars, block development officers and village officers in discharging her responsibilities. As the district magistrate, the collector also exercises powers of executive magistracy like controlling crowds, tackling unrest, and maintaining law and order in the district.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Since taking charge as the collector of Ernakulam, Dr. Renu Raj has launched several initiatives to improve governance delivery and welfare schemes. Some of her key achievements include:
- Launched a 100-day action plan for the district administration with focus on COVID prevention, vaccination, school infrastructure, and tribal welfare.
- Kickstarted Vision 2030 – a 10-year vision plan for Ernakulam district through public consultation.
- Strengthened COVID preventive measures like tracing, testing, enforcement of safety norms.
- Special drive to clear pending files and speed up administrative processes.
- School renovation program ‘Ente Kuttikku Ente Sambhavanakku’ benefiting over 100 schools so far.
- Initiatives for palliative care, elderly care, and support for differently-abled through CSR funds.
- Training program for Kudumbashree members for skill development and jobs.
- Actively leveraging social media platforms for public outreach and grievance redressal.
Through regular field visits, direct public contact, efficient use of technology and social media, Dr. Renu Raj has been able to bring a positive change in Ernakulam district administration in a short span of time since taking charge.
Prior Collectors of Ernakulam
Here are some of the IAS officers who had served as the collectors of Ernakulam district in the recent past:
| Name | Years |
|---|---|
| S. Suhas IAS | 2019 – 2022 |
| M.G. Rajamanickam IAS | 2018 – 2019 |
| K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla IAS | 2015 – 2018 |
| M. G. Rajamanickam IAS | 2013 – 2015 |
| V. Ratheesan IAS | 2011 – 2013 |
Conclusion
Dr. Renu Raj IAS is currently the district collector of Ernakulam, the administrative head of the district. She has taken several citizen-centric initiatives to improve governance delivery. With her farsighted approach and focus on long term district development, Ernakulam is set for progress under her leadership. The collector’s role is pivotal in implementing various government schemes, ensuring law and order, driving development and responding to public grievances at the cutting edge level. As collectors like Dr. Renu Raj bring positive change on the ground, it will translate into improved development outcomes for the people of Ernakulam.