Usha Sharma, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer with over 38 years of exemplary service, has held several pivotal roles, including Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Secretary of the Department of Youth Affairs in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Joining the IAS in 1985 as the first female officer from the Tripura cadre, her extensive experience spans various sectors such as Personnel, General Administration, Urban Development, Education, Energy, Agriculture, Industries, Textiles, and Tourism. Notable roles in her career include Director of the Literacy Mission, Commissioner of the Jaipur Development Authority, and Secretary of Urban Development.
She is recognized for leading transformative changes, including transitioning the Rajasthan state government to a paperless e-office system, which significantly enhanced transparency and efficiency. Her efforts in the tourism sector include the development of the Great India Travel Mart and the luxury train 'Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.' She also played a key role in implementing the e-Visa system, boosting India's international tourism appeal. As Chief Secretary, she championed sustainable social sector initiatives, achieving nearly 98% coverage with the Chiranjeevi insurance scheme and earning Rajasthan numerous SKOTCH awards.
Usha Sharma holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry from Miranda House, Delhi University, and has completed advanced courses in Public Administration and Financial Management from the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Cambridge, and the Royal Academy of London.