Saniya Anjum/Bengaluru

Fouzia Tarannum, who has been serving as Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi district, once a cradle of Deccan empires and now grappling with drought, migration, and uneven development, has revived millet crops and promoted democracy since 2003.

The Bengaluru-born 2015-batch IAS officer, Fouzia, has revived ancient millet grains into a national sensation called "Kalaburagi Rotti," empowering thousands of women through self-help groups (SHGs), and ensuring transparency in electoral rolls.

In January, she received the Best Electoral Practices Award from President Droupadi Murmu. At 36, Fouzia’s journey began in the shadow of Bengaluru's tech boom, where she was raised in a family that valued education.

Fouzia Tarannum

Despite being the only family member in government service, Fouzia carved her own path. She completed her schooling at Bishop Cotton Girls' High School, followed by a B.Com from Jyoti Nivas College and an MBA in Finance from Christ University, where she earned a gold medal.

She joined TCS, crunching numbers in corporate corridors, yet her heart tugged toward the public realm. "I always wanted to work as a public servant," she recalls in an exclusive conversation. She quit her job in 2010 to prepare for the UPSC civil services examination.

She cracked the Civil Services examination in her maiden attempt in 2011 and was allotted the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

Posted as Assistant Commissioner in Income Tax, Bengaluru, Fouzia immersed herself in education and women empowerment drives, focusing on rural areas. "In the cities, there are a lot of facilities, as a lot of private players also enter for profit/commercial purposes. However, in rural, far-reaching areas, it is mostly the government that drives development. Our impact and scale are immense. If we improve govt services in rural areas, development will follow," she observes.

Fouzia Tarannum  receiving award from President Droupadi Murmu

In 2012, Fouzia joined the National Academy of Direct Taxes in Nagpur. "The first time I had to leave home," she shares. "And there... I enjoyed the training." Four gold medals later, she returned to Bengaluru, more resolute.

In 2014, she reattempted the UPSS civil services examination and bagged 31st position in the India list.

She was inducted into the IAS in his home state.

As Corporation Commissioner of Kalaburagi (2019), she spearheaded Janaspandana—public grievance redressal forums that turned complaints into closures, fostering trust and learning.

As CEO ZP Chikkaballapur (2019-20), she focused on water conservation efforts, school and anganwadi improvements, and elevating the district’s SSLC rank to 1st in the state.

Fouzia Tarannum with youth

The district’s arid expanse, plagued by high dropout rates, farmer suicides, and gender gaps, tested her mettle. “Some days seem difficult, but we need to keep motivating ourselves since our impact matters, and the opportunity to make a difference counts,” she admits.

She initiated farmer-friendly initiatives infused with women’s agency, like “Kalaburagi Rotti,” branding the district’s heirloom millets—jowar, ragi—into nutrient-packed rotis that align with national nutrition goals while reviving local pride.

Reintroduced with SHG women as bakers and marketers, it now feeds school meals and markets nationwide, earning her the Excellence in Governance Award. "Thousand women SHGs... local economy acceleration," she explains. Tourism and sports infusions follow: millet festivals doubling as cultural hubs, rural sports leagues fostering youth unity.

How do these branding coups ensure long-term livelihoods, not fleeting fame? Fouzia's model bets on sustainability—training SHGs in value chains, linking to e-markets, and scaling via government schemes. In Chikkaballapur, her 14-month stint as CEO ZP saw her trudge fields, meeting talented farmers who "wanted her not to leave the place."

Fouzia Tarannum receiving PM Narendra Modi

As Director of Horticulture in Bengaluru, overseeing 20+ districts, she planted seeds of systemic change: gram panchayat libraries, SHG expansions. In Koppal as CEO ZP, she presented initiatives to the Cabinet Secretary—India's highest bureaucrat—on library networks and women's collectives. "Opportunity to present... and it was satisfying," she says. Each posting, a thread in her tapestry: blending tradition with tech, heritage with hustle.

In an era of deepfakes, Fouzia's electoral wizardry stands out. During the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, her overhaul of Kalaburagi's rolls—digitising verifications, doorstep camps for migrants—ensured zero bogus votes, earning presidential kudos. "It's a nice award," she demurs, "signifies as it came together as a team from all the people involved. But building a team like that was interesting."

In times when electoral trust frays—amid allegations of manipulation—what role can officers like her play? Fouzia's answer is action: transparent audits, community buy-in, proving credibility isn't proclaimed; it's performed.

Fouzia Tarannum receiving an award

Her rural Primary Health Centre (PHC) revamps in Chikkaballapur, Koppal, and Kalaburagi, quietly slashing maternal mortality rates by linking Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to health outposts. "Awards highlight achievements," she muses, "but often, impact goes beyond recognition."

Fouzia's grace was tested in May 2025, when BJP MLC N. Ravikumar made uncharitable remarks against her, targeting her religion. The IAS Officers' Association thundered in condemnation; Chief Minister Siddaramaiah vowed action.

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A criminal case followed; Ravikumar recanted as "inadvertent.” However, Fauzia remained stoic and carried on with his work.