Rajendra Kataria, IAS: Biography, Profile, Wife, Net Worth and Family

Rajendra Kumar Kataria stands as a prominent figure in Indian administration, known for his no-nonsense approach and significant contributions across multiple departments in Karnataka and beyond. As a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, he has navigated high-stakes roles from district administration to principal secretary positions, earning respect for integrity amid political pressures. His career highlights his dedication to public service, making him a trending subject in discussions on bureaucratic resilience.

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Rajender Kumar Kataria
Date of Birth	September 8, 1969
Profession	IAS Officer, 1996 Batch, Karnataka Cadre; Current: Principal Secretary, Revenue Department
Spouse/Family	Family details not publicly detailed; known for professional focus
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed; no records of disproportionate assets

Rajendra Kumar Kataria was born on September 8, 1969, laying the foundation for a career marked by academic excellence and public service commitment. He pursued his Bachelor of Commerce from Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, between 1986 and 1989, building a strong foundation in commerce and economics. Kataria further enhanced his skills with a Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in 1989-1990, equipping him with communication expertise vital for administrative roles.linkedin+1

These formative years in Delhi shaped his analytical mindset, preparing him for the rigors of the civil services examination, which he cleared to join the IAS in 1996. His educational background in commerce and mass communication provided a unique blend of financial acumen and public outreach abilities, often evident in his policy implementations. Hailing from a background that emphasized discipline, Kataria's early influences remain private, but his trajectory reflects a deliberate pursuit of excellence in governance.

Complete Family Details

Public records offer limited insights into Rajendra Kataria's personal life, underscoring his preference for privacy amid a high-profile career. No confirmed details on his spouse, children, parents, or siblings appear in official profiles or news reports, aligning with his reputation as an upright officer focused on duty over publicity. This discretion is common among senior bureaucrats, allowing Kataria to maintain professional boundaries.

While family members are not named in cadre lists or LinkedIn profiles, his long tenures in Karnataka suggest strong roots in the state, possibly influencing his allocation to the cadre. Searches reveal no mentions of familial involvement in controversies or business, reinforcing his image as a dedicated public servant. Kataria's family life remains shielded, with emphasis consistently on his administrative contributions rather than personal anecdotes.wikiias+1

Career Trajectory

Kataria's journey began post-1996 batch allocation to Karnataka cadre, starting with foundational district-level postings. From 2003-2004, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Zila Parishad in Belgaum, focusing on rural development initiatives. In September 2004-August 2005, he took charge as Deputy Commissioner of Chickmagalur District, honing skills in district magistracy.linkedin+2

His career escalated with central deputations: Joint Secretary in Haryana's Finance Department (2005-2006), followed by Deputy Commissioner roles in Kaithal (2006-2007), Panchkula (2007-2009), and Gurgaon (2009-2011). Between 2012-2014, he held prestigious positions as Private Secretary to Union Ministers of Labour & Employment and Railways, gaining national exposure. Returning to Karnataka, he managed Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation as MD (2014-2017), introducing reforms.timesofindia.indiatimes+1

Key milestones include Secretary for Mines & MSME (2017-2019), Agriculture & Horticulture (2019 onwards), and Transport Principal Secretary (2021) where he pioneered contactless services to curb corruption. By 2023, he assumed Principal Secretary, Revenue, continuing his influence in core governance. As of 2025, he remains a senior fixture in Karnataka administration, with over 25 years of versatile experience.

Period	Role	Key Contributions
2003-2004	CEO, Zila Parishad, Belgaum linkedin	Rural development oversight
2004-2005	DC, Chickmagalur linkedin	District administration
2005-2011	Multiple DC roles in Haryana linkedin	Urban-rural governance
2012-2014	PS to Union Ministers linkedin	National policy exposure
2014-2017	MD, KSRTC timesofindia.indiatimes	Transport reforms
2017-Present	Secretary roles (Mines, Agri, Revenue) english.publictv	Sectoral leadership

Kataria has faced high-profile clashes with politicians, highlighting tensions between bureaucracy and elected representatives. In October 2017, Congress MLA Shivamurthy Naik allegedly abused and threatened him for denying a granite quarrying lease to Naik's son, Suraj Naik, citing 2016 rules deeming the 2015 application ineligible. Kataria filed complaints with the CMO, IAS Association, and Chief Secretary, accusing Naik of obstruction under IPC Section 353; the IAS Association condemned the incident, and CM Siddaramaiah promised action.timesofindia.indiatimes+1

More recently, in March 2025, Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader referred complaints against Kataria to the Privileges Committee after Congress MLA Raju Kage accused him of misconduct during revenue discussions. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok and BJP MLAs demanded action, with Basanagouda Patil Yatnal suggesting a transfer to Jammu & Kashmir. These episodes portray Kataria as a steadfast officer resisting political interference, maintaining neutrality amid scrutiny.

No legal convictions or corruption charges stain his record; instead, events underscore his commitment to rules, positioning him as a defender of procedural integrity. His 2021-2022 transport reforms, making services faceless, drew praise but also transfer murmurs, seen by some as politically motivated.

Awards & Achievements

Star 2020 Appreciation Certificate from World Book of Records for horticulture/sericulture contributions.worldbookofrecords
Felicitated for administrative excellence in transport digitization.government.economictimes.indiatimes
Recognized internally for upright service across cadres.

Kataria's honors reflect sustained impact in agriculture, transport, and revenue sectors.facebook

FAQ

Who is Rajendra Kataria IAS?
Rajendra Kumar Kataria is a 1996-batch Karnataka cadre IAS officer serving as Principal Secretary, Revenue.english.publictv+1

What is Rajendra Kataria's educational background?
B.Com from Delhi University and PG Diploma from Indian Institute of Mass Communication.linkedin

What controversy involved Rajendra Kataria and Shivamurthy Naik?
MLA Naik allegedly abused Kataria in 2017 for rejecting his son's mining lease under eligibility rules.thenewsminute+1

What is Rajendra Kataria's current posting?
Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Karnataka.english.publictv

Has Rajendra Kataria received any awards?
Yes, including World Book of Records Star 2020 Certificate.worldbookofrecords

What roles did Rajendra Kataria hold in central government?
Private Secretary to Union Ministers of Railways and Labour & Employment (2012-2014).linkedin

Is Rajendra Kataria involved in any recent controversies?
In 2025, complaints led to Privileges Committee referral over alleged MLA misconduct.

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