Niharika Barik Singh is an accomplished IAS officer of the 1997 batch, currently serving in multiple key roles within the Government of Chhattisgarh. She holds the position of Principal Secretary for both the Department of Panchayat & Rural Development and the Department of Electronics & Information Technology. Ms. Singh also holds the crucial position of Development Commissioner in the Government of Chhattisgarh. With an academic background in Sociology, Ms. Singh has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and governance skills throughout her career. Her expertise spans various crucial sectors of public administration, reflecting her versatility and comprehensive understanding of governance challenges. Prior to her current appointments, Ms. Singh served as the Secretary of the Department of Public Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education. In this capacity, her dynamic leadership contributed significantly to advancing Chhattisgarh's health sector. Ms. Singh's illustrious career includes a diverse array of important positions. She has served as the District Magistrate of Mahasamund, Director of Technical Education, and Divisional Commissioner of Bilaspur. Her portfolio also encompasses roles such as Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Secretary of Rural Industries, and Resident Commissioner of Chhattisgarh, showcasing her broad administrative experience. Beyond her state-level contributions, Ms. Singh has served as Director in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and as Joint Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution in the Government of India.