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{{Short description|Professor Ondian Institute of Technology}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name               = Ram Sewak Sharma
| name               = Ram Sewak Sharma
| image             =  
| image               = File:Dr. R.S. Sharma.jpg
| image_size        =  
| image_size         =
| caption            =  
| caption            = Ram Sewak Sharma
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|1955|10|01|df=y}}
| birth_place        =
| birth_place        =
| nationality         = Indian
| nationality = Indian
| death_date          =
| death_date        =  
| death_place        =  
| death_place        =  
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1955|10|01}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Civil List of IAS Officers |url=https://dtf.in/wp-content/files/Civil_List_of_IAS_Officers_-_Appendix_A_-_Combined_Gradation_List_of_IAS_Officers_appointed_on_the_result_of_annual_competitive_Exam._As_on_01.01.2014-civillist.ias.nic.in.htm |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=dtf.in}}</ref>
| office1             = CEO, [[National Health Authority]]  
| office1             = CEO, [[National Health Authority]]
| termend1           =
| termend1           = 31 January 2023
| termstart1           = 01 February 2021
| termstart1         = 1 February 2021
| predecessor1         = [[Indu Bhushan]]
| predecessor1       = [[Indu Bhushan]]                          
| office2             = Chairman, [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]]
| successor1= Dipti Gaur Mukharjee <ref>{{Cite web | title=National Health Authority appoints Deepti Gaur Mukerjee as CEO - Elets eHealth | url=https://ehealth.eletsonline.com/2023/12/national-health-authority-appoints-deepti-gaur-mukerjee-as-ceo/ | access-date=2025-01-03 | website=ehealth.eletsonline.com| date=14 December 2023 }}</ref>
| termend2            = 30 September 2020
| office2             = Chairman, [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]]
| termstart2           = 20 August 2015
| termend2            = 30 September 2020
| predecessor2         = [[Rahul Khullar]]
| termstart2         = 20 August 2015
| successor2           = PD Vaghela
| predecessor2       = [[Rahul Khullar]]
| office3             = Director General, [[Aadhaar#Unique Identification Authority|Unique Identification Authority of India]]
| successor2         = PD Vaghela
| termend3            = 31 March 2013
| office3             = Director General, [[Aadhaar#Unique Identification Authority|Unique Identification Authority of India]]
| termstart3           = 31 July 2009
| termend3            = 31 March 2013
| successor3           = Vijay Madan
| termstart3         = 31 July 2009
| occupation         = [[civil servant]]
| predecessor3        = ''Position Established''
| spouse             =  
| successor3         = Vijay Madan
| occupation         = Retired [[Civil servant]]
| spouse             =
|alma_mater = [[University of Allahabad]]<br>[[IIT Kanpur]]<br>[[University of California Riverside]]
}}
}}


'''Ram Sewak Sharma''' is a former Indian bureaucrat. He was the first Director General of the [[Aadhaar#Unique Identification Authority|Unique Identification Authority of India]] and was subsequently appointed as the Chairman of [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI) . After his retirement, he was appointed as the CEO of the [[National Health Authority]] of India which administers the [[Ayushman Bharat Yojana]] health protection scheme.<ref>{{cite web |title=RS Sharma to take over as CEO, National Health Authority. |url=https://ehealth.eletsonline.com/2021/01/rs-sharma-to-take-over-as-ceo-national-health-authority/ |website=eHealth |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>
'''Ram Sewak Sharma''' (born 1 October 1955) is a retired Indian bureaucrat and former civil servant. He is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the [[Indian Institute of Technology (Kanpur)|Indian Institute of Technology]] (IIT Kanpur), where he teaches Technology and Policy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visiting faculty |url=https://iitk.ac.in/doms/visiting-faculty |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=iitk.ac.in}}</ref> He also serves as the non-executive Chairperson of [[Open Network for Digital Commerce]] (ONDC), a non-profit organisation aimed at fostering digital commerce.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-19 |title=All About Open Network for Digital Commerce |url=https://ondc.org/about-ondc/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=ONDC {{!}} Open Network for Digital Commerce |language=en}}</ref>
 
In the past, he has served as the chief executive officer of the [[National Health Authority]], an Indian governmental organisation tasked with managing public health insurance;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification |url=https://pmjay.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/Notification.pdf}}</ref> the Chairperson of [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]]; and  the first Director General of the [[Aadhaar|Unique Identification Authority of India]].


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Born in a small village of [[Uttar Pradesh]], he completed his early education from schools near his village. He joined [[University of Allahabad]] from where he earned his Bachelor of Science (BSc). He completed his masters in Mathematics from [[IIT, Kanpur]], in 1978.<ref name="MINT">{{cite web | url=http://www.livemint.com/2009/12/31192617/Ram-Sewak-Sharma--A-different.html | title=Ram Sewak Sharma {{!}} A different drummer | work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] | date=1 January 2010 | access-date=1 April 2013 | author=Jain, Akshai}}</ref> While on leave from the Government of India, he earned a Masters in Computer Science from [[University of California, Riverside]] in 2002<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ucriverside.academia.edu/RamSewakSharma|title=Ram Sewak Sharma {{!}} University of California, Riverside - Academia.edu|website=ucriverside.academia.edu|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref> and subsequently a PhD from [[Indian Institute of Technology Delhi|IIT, Delhi]].<ref name="retire">{{cite web |last1=Pandey |first1=Navadha |title=R.S. Sharma, outspoken Trai chairman with a flair for technology, retires today |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/lovyq1QAHgdQfF4GLnZmVJ/RS-Sharma-outspoken-Trai-chairman-with-a-flair-for-techno.html |website=Mint |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>
Born in a small village of [[Uttar Pradesh]], he completed his early education from schools near his village. He joined [[University of Allahabad]] from where he earned his Bachelor of Science (BSc). He completed his master's in Mathematics from [[IIT, Kanpur]], in 1978.<ref name="MINT">{{cite web | url=http://www.livemint.com/2009/12/31192617/Ram-Sewak-Sharma--A-different.html | title=Ram Sewak Sharma {{!}} A different drummer | work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] | date=1 January 2010 | access-date=1 April 2013 | author=Jain, Akshai}}</ref> While on leave from the Government of India, he earned a master's in computer science from [[University of California, Riverside]] in 2002<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ucriverside.academia.edu/RamSewakSharma|title=Ram Sewak Sharma {{!}} University of California, Riverside - Academia.edu|website=ucriverside.academia.edu|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref> and subsequently a PhD from [[Indian Institute of Technology Delhi|IIT, Delhi]].<ref name="retire">{{cite web |last1=Pandey |first1=Navadha |title=R.S. Sharma, outspoken Trai chairman with a flair for technology, retires today |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/lovyq1QAHgdQfF4GLnZmVJ/RS-Sharma-outspoken-Trai-chairman-with-a-flair-for-techno.html |website=Mint |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Ram Sewak Sharma joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1978.He belongs to the Jharkhand cadre.<ref name="bio">{{cite web |title=Complete Biodata |url=https://supremo.nic.in/ERSheetHtml.aspx?OffIDErhtml=6985&PageId= |website=Ministry of Personnel |publisher=Government of India |access-date=2 March 2021 |ref=bio}}</ref>
Ram Sewak Sharma joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1978.He belongs to the Jharkhand cadre.<ref name="bio">{{cite web |title=Complete Biodata |url=https://supremo.nic.in/ERSheetHtml.aspx?OffIDErhtml=6985&PageId= |website=Ministry of Personnel |publisher=Government of India |access-date=2 March 2021 |ref=bio}}</ref>
In 1986, he wrote a program in [[DBASE]], a programming language that would keep a record of all stolen firearms in the crime-prone district. As soon as a firearm would be found, the programme would run a search query among thousands of age-old records. This software enabled the solving of 22 cases in just 30 days.<ref name="ET">{{cite news | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-07-20/news/27632558_1_programme-uid-biometrics | title=UID will give mobile identity to people | work=[[The Economic Times]] | date=20 July 2010 | access-date=1 April 2013 | author=Julka, Harsimran}}</ref>
In 1986, he wrote a program in [[DBASE]], a programming language that would keep a record of all stolen firearms in the crime-prone district. As soon as a firearm would be found, the programme would run a search query among thousands of age-old records. This software enabled the solving of 22 cases in just 30 days.<ref name="ET">{{cite news | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-07-20/news/27632558_1_programme-uid-biometrics | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812043011/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-07-20/news/27632558_1_programme-uid-biometrics | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 August 2011 | title=UID will give mobile identity to people | work=[[The Economic Times]] | date=20 July 2010 | access-date=1 April 2013 | author=Julka, Harsimran}}</ref>


He held responsibilities in his home cadre of Jharkhand as well as in ministries of the Central government, including, as Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand .<ref name="bio" />
He held responsibilities in his home cadre of Jharkhand as well as in ministries of the Central government, including, as Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand .<ref name="bio" />


===UIDAI===
===UIDAI===
As the first Director General of the [[Aadhaar#Unique Identification Authority|Unique Identification Authority of India]], he helped create the 12-digit identity number, called [[Aadhaar]], which is available to all eligible residents in India. He has authored a book titled ''The Making of Aadhaar: World's Largest Identity Platform'' ({{ISBN|9390356121}}) describing this project.<ref name="aadhaar">{{cite web |title=‘Making of Aadhaar’ — new book presents candid, first-hand account of how the ID was created |url=https://theprint.in/softcover/making-of-aadhaar-new-book-presents-candid-first-hand-account-of-how-the-id-was-created/497484/ |website=The Print |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>
As the first Director General of the [[Aadhaar#Unique Identification Authority|Unique Identification Authority of India]], he helped create the 12-digit identity number, called [[Aadhaar]], which is available to all eligible residents in India. He has authored a book titled ''The Making of Aadhaar: World's Largest Identity Platform'' ({{ISBN|9390356121}}) describing this project.<ref name="aadhaar">{{cite web |title='Making of Aadhaar' — new book presents candid, first-hand account of how the ID was created |url=https://theprint.in/softcover/making-of-aadhaar-new-book-presents-candid-first-hand-account-of-how-the-id-was-created/497484/ |website=The Print |date=8 September 2020 |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>


===TRAI===
===TRAI===
He was appointed the Chairman of [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI) from August 2015 for a period of three years. At the end of this tenure, he was given a further extension of two years.<ref name="extension">{{cite web |title=R S Sharma re-appointed TRAI chairperson till 2020 |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/r-s-sharma-re-appointed-trai-chairperson-till-2020/article24643471.ece |website=Business Line |publisher=Hindu |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>
He was appointed the Chairman of [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI) from August 2015 for a period of three years. At the end of this tenure, he was given a further extension of two years.<ref name="extension">{{cite web |title=R S Sharma re-appointed TRAI chairperson till 2020 |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/r-s-sharma-re-appointed-trai-chairperson-till-2020/article24643471.ece |website=Business Line |date=9 August 2018 |publisher=Hindu |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>
As Chairman of TRAI, he steered the adoption of [[Net neutrality in India|net neutrality regulations in India]]. He has taken measures to enable consumer choice in determining market outcomes, e.g. a new framework for broadcasting and cable services,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://main.trai.gov.in/release-publication/regulations/amendments-page/94209|title=Regulation and Amendment|website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref> regulations for mobile number portability,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://main.trai.gov.in/telecom/mobile-number-portability|title=Mobile Number Portability|website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref> and the use of crowd-sourced information or field measurements to inform customers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://analytics.trai.gov.in/|title=TRAI Analytics|website=analytics.trai.gov.in|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>
As Chairman of TRAI, he steered the adoption of [[Net neutrality in India|net neutrality regulations in India]]. He has taken measures to enable [[consumer choice]] in determining market outcomes, e.g. a new framework for broadcasting and cable services,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://main.trai.gov.in/release-publication/regulations/amendments-page/94209|title=Regulation and Amendment|website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> regulations for mobile number portability,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://main.trai.gov.in/telecom/mobile-number-portability|title=Mobile Number Portability|website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818185956/https://main.trai.gov.in/telecom/mobile-number-portability|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the use of crowd-sourced information or field measurements to inform customers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://analytics.trai.gov.in/|title=TRAI Analytics|website=analytics.trai.gov.in|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>
As the TRAI chairman, his goal to gradually reduce [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/interconnect-usage-charge-facts-that-you-should-know/articleshow/60772580.cms Interconnect Usage Charges] earned him acclaim from some and criticism from others. Critics allege that the decision is biased towards [[Jio]] while those defending TRAI claim that reducing these charges was necessary for the continuous growth of the sector.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/government-helping-reliance-jio-monopolise-telecom|title=How Reliance Jio is monopolising the telecom sector|last=Block|first=Daniel|website=The Caravan|language=en|access-date=2019-05-21}}</ref>
As the TRAI chairman, his goal to gradually reduce [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/interconnect-usage-charge-facts-that-you-should-know/articleshow/60772580.cms Interconnect Usage Charges] earned him acclaim from some and criticism from others. Critics allege that the decision is biased towards [[Jio]] while those defending TRAI claim that reducing these charges was necessary for the continuous growth of the sector.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/government-helping-reliance-jio-monopolise-telecom|title=How Reliance Jio is monopolising the telecom sector|last=Block|first=Daniel|website=The Caravan|language=en|access-date=2019-05-21}}</ref>
=== CoWIN ===
He is the chairperson of an empowered committee for administration of COVID-19 vaccine delivery technology platform (Co-WIN).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mookerji |first=Nivedita |date=2021-01-09 |title=RS Sharma, former Trai chief, to head empowered panel for Covid-19 vaccine |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/rs-sharma-former-trai-chief-to-head-empowered-panel-for-covid-19-vaccine-121010900353_1.html |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Government of India, Cabinet Secretariat notification |url=https://pmjay.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/Empowered%20Group%20on%20Vaccine%20Administration.pdf}}</ref> [[CoWIN]] along with the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign was launched by the Prime Minister on January 16, 2021. Dr. Sharma was called back from retirement to take the responsibility of developing and executing the CoWIN or the COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The CoWIN story started with the pandemic, but it won't end with it |date=7 June 2022 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-cowin-story-started-with-the-pandemic-but-it-wont-end-with-it-7956262/}}</ref>  India crossed a mark of administering 2 billion vaccinations in July, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-17 |title=India crosses 200 crore Covid-19 vaccinations: Day to remember forever, says Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health-specials/india-crosses-200-crore-covid-19-vaccination-mansukh-mandaviya-8034580/ |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The country also signed an MoU with the government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for sharing CoWIN.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perappadan |first=Bindu Shajan |date=2022-07-23 |title=CoWIN platform 'know-how' now available free of cost to any country |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cowin-platform-know-how-now-available-free-of-cost-to-any-country/article65674020.ece |access-date=2022-08-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
Dr. Sharma also served on the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19, a body constituted by the Government of India to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout |url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1687421 |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>


===NHA===
===NHA===
As CEO, NHA, he is responsible for managing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana ([[PMJAY|PM-JAY]]),the national health insurance program in India.  
In February 2021, Sharma was appointed as the chief executive officer of the [[National Health Authority|National Health Authority of India]], a body responsible for implementing two health initiatives of the Government of India, [[Ayushman Bharat Yojana|Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana]] (AB PM-JAY) which is a public health insurance scheme and [[National Digital Health Mission|Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission]], a platform to promote digitization of healthcare in India and served the office till January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification |url=https://pmjay.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/Notification.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mookerji |first=Nivedita |date=2021-01-28 |title=Indu Bhushan to leave as Ayushman Bharat chief, R S Sharma to take over |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indu-bhushan-to-leave-as-ayushman-bharat-chief-rs-sharma-to-take-over-121012800638_1.html |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ABDM will aid universal health coverage in accessible, affordable, timely manner: R S Sharma |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/health-trends/interview-i-abdm-will-aid-universal-health-coverage-in-accessible-affordable-timely-manner-r-s-sharma-8205221.html |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=Moneycontrol |language=en}}</ref>
 
As the Chairperson of '''Empowered Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19''',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mookerji |first=Nivedita |date=2021-01-09 |title=RS Sharma, former Trai chief, to head empowered panel for Covid-19 vaccine |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/rs-sharma-former-trai-chief-to-head-empowered-panel-for-covid-19-vaccine-121010900353_1.html |access-date=2022-06-05}}</ref> Dr Sharma helped create and administer [[CoWIN]], the web portal for management of vaccination in India.<ref>{{cite web |title=RS Sharma: Vaccinating India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/shows/on-the-record-rs-sharma-vaccinating-india-101614599121476-amp.html |access-date=2 March 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Close to 2 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccines have been delivered under this programme till the first week of June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CoWIN Dashboard |url=https://dashboard.cowin.gov.in/ |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=dashboard.cowin.gov.in}}</ref>


== Controversies ==
== Controversies ==
In 2018, Sharma dismissed concerns regarding privacy and potential misuse of India's national biometric ID, and disclosed his Aadhar number on twitter, challenging users to “do any harm to me.” and stating that the purpose of the challenge was "... to debunk the theory that Aadhaar compromises the privacy of the person.”<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2018-07-29|title=TRAI chief's Aadhar dare backfires, personal details put online|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/trai-chiefs-aadhar-dare-backfires-personal-details-put-online/article24544828.ece|access-date=2020-12-14|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-31|title=TRAI chief's Aadhaar challenge decoded: Why R S Sharma gave out his Aadhaar number|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/aadhaar-card/trai-chiefs-aadhar-challenge-decoded-why-r-s-sharma-gave-out-his-aadhar-number/1264177/|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> Following this, individual researchers were able to locate his personal address, the number of the mobile phone he used as well as an alternate phone number that he used, his [[WhatsApp|Whatsapp]] profile picture, his voter identification card and his tax identification card ([[PAN card]]). Sharma dismissed these disclosures on Twitter, stating that the information could not be used to harm him.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-29|title=Personal details of TRAI chief RS Sharma 'leaked' after open challenge on Twitter- Technology News, Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/personal-details-of-trai-chief-rs-sharma-leaked-after-open-challenge-on-twitter-4844361.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Tech2}}</ref> The information was used to make a symbolic deposit of {{INR}}1 in one of his bank accounts, to demonstrate the potential for misuse.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Rachel Chitra|date=Jul 30, 2018|title=Hackers deposit Re 1 in Trai chief's account {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hackers-deposit-re-1-in-trai-chiefs-account/articleshow/65190556.cms|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The UIDAI made a statement indicating that this personal information concerning Mr. Sharma was already in the public domain.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-29|title=Trai chief's personal details not taken from Aadhaar database: UIDAI|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/trai-chief-s-personal-details-not-fetched-from-aadhaar-database-servers-uidai/story-p155PgKW0Y2L24YXeYcolK.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> In December 2020, Sharma's Aadhar number was used to fraudulently register him for an agricultural benefit scheme, the [[PM Kisan Yojana]], as a result of which benefits that he was not eligible for were deposited into his account. Sharma has blamed the state government for failing to conduct adequate verification.<ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Yasmin Ahmed |date=December 14, 2020 |title=Former UIDAI chief RS Sharma suffers Aadhaar fraud, Rs 6000 PM Kisan fund deposited in his account|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/former-uidai-chief-rs-sharma-suffers-aadhaar-fraud-rs-6000-pm-kisan-fund-deposited-in-his-account-1749464-2020-12-14|access-date=2020-12-14|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
In 2018, Sharma dismissed concerns regarding privacy and potential misuse of India's national biometric ID, and disclosed his Aadhar number on twitter, challenging users to “do any harm to me.” and stating that the purpose of the challenge was "... to debunk the theory that Aadhaar compromises the privacy of the person.”<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=2018-07-29|title=TRAI chief's Aadhar dare backfires, personal details put online|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/trai-chiefs-aadhar-dare-backfires-personal-details-put-online/article24544828.ece|access-date=2020-12-14|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-31|title=TRAI chief's Aadhaar challenge decoded: Why R S Sharma gave out his Aadhaar number|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/aadhaar-card/trai-chiefs-aadhar-challenge-decoded-why-r-s-sharma-gave-out-his-aadhar-number/1264177/|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> Following this, individual researchers were able to locate his personal address, the number of the mobile phone he used as well as an alternate phone number that he used, his [[WhatsApp]] profile picture, his voter identification card and his tax identification card ([[PAN card]]). Sharma dismissed these disclosures on Twitter, stating that the information could not be used to harm him.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-29|title=Personal details of TRAI chief RS Sharma 'leaked' after open challenge on Twitter|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/personal-details-of-trai-chief-rs-sharma-leaked-after-open-challenge-on-twitter-4844361.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Tech2}}</ref> The information was used to make a symbolic deposit of {{INR}}1 in one of his bank accounts, to demonstrate the potential for misuse.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Rachel Chitra|date=Jul 30, 2018|title=Hackers deposit Re 1 in Trai chief's account {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hackers-deposit-re-1-in-trai-chiefs-account/articleshow/65190556.cms|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The UIDAI made a statement indicating that this personal information concerning Mr. Sharma was already in the public domain.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-29|title=Trai chief's personal details not taken from Aadhaar database: UIDAI|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/trai-chief-s-personal-details-not-fetched-from-aadhaar-database-servers-uidai/story-p155PgKW0Y2L24YXeYcolK.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> In December 2020, Sharma's Aadhar number was used to fraudulently register him for an agricultural benefit scheme, the [[PM Kisan Yojana]], as a result of which benefits that he was not eligible for were deposited into his account. Sharma has blamed the state government for failing to conduct adequate verification.<ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Yasmin Ahmed |date=December 14, 2020 |title=Former UIDAI chief RS Sharma suffers Aadhaar fraud, Rs 6000 PM Kisan fund deposited in his account|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/former-uidai-chief-rs-sharma-suffers-aadhaar-fraud-rs-6000-pm-kisan-fund-deposited-in-his-account-1749464-2020-12-14|access-date=2020-12-14|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
* [[Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration]] - 2008
* Voice and Data "Telecom Person of the Year" award for his role in balancing the interests of the telecom industry and consumers - 2019<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=Voice&Data |title=RS Sharma, Manoj Kohli, Dr. Anand Agarwal conferred Voice&Data Leadership Awards |url=https://www.voicendata.com/rs-sharma-manoj-kohli-dr-anand-agarwal-get-voicedata-leadership-award/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.voicendata.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Voice & Data Lifetime Achievement Award - 2022 <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=Voice&Data |title=V&D Confers Lifetime Achievement Award to RS Sharma |url=https://www.voicendata.com/vd-confers-lifetime-achievement-award-to-rs-sharma/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.voicendata.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Economic Times Telecom Award for Lifetime Achievement - 2022 <ref>{{Cite web |last=www.ETTelecom.com |title=ETTelecom Awards 2022: Former Trai Chief RS Sharma bags Lifetime Achievement Award - ET Telecom |url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/former-trai-chief-rs-sharma-bags-ettelecom-lifetime-achievement-award/90543503 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=ETTelecom.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
Recognition for CoWIN platform developed under his leadership
 
* In 2021, Voice & Data recognized CoWIN as a "Pathbreaker" for its role in the vaccination drive during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=Voice&Data |title=Cowin Platform, Among V&D Jury Award Winners, at Voice&Data Telecom Leadership Forum, 2022 |url=https://www.voicendata.com/72792-2-jury-awar-winners-at-voicedata-telecom-leadership-forum/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.voicendata.com |language=en}}</ref>
* In 2023, CoWIN received the Global Game Changer Award from Marico Foundation, recognizing its innovative use of technology to facilitate the vaccination process.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 11:01, 15 January 2026


Ram Sewak Sharma
Ram Sewak Sharma
CEO, National Health Authority
In office
1 February 2021 – 31 January 2023
Preceded byIndu Bhushan
Succeeded byDipti Gaur Mukharjee [1]
Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
In office
20 August 2015 – 30 September 2020
Preceded byRahul Khullar
Succeeded byPD Vaghela
Director General, Unique Identification Authority of India
In office
31 July 2009 – 31 March 2013
Preceded byPosition Established
Succeeded byVijay Madan
Personal details
Born (1955-10-01) 1 October 1955 (age 70)[2]
NationalityIndian
Alma materUniversity of Allahabad
IIT Kanpur
University of California Riverside
OccupationRetired Civil servant

Ram Sewak Sharma (born 1 October 1955) is a retired Indian bureaucrat and former civil servant. He is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Kanpur), where he teaches Technology and Policy.[3] He also serves as the non-executive Chairperson of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a non-profit organisation aimed at fostering digital commerce.[4]

In the past, he has served as the chief executive officer of the National Health Authority, an Indian governmental organisation tasked with managing public health insurance;[5] the Chairperson of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India; and the first Director General of the Unique Identification Authority of India.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Born in a small village of Uttar Pradesh, he completed his early education from schools near his village. He joined University of Allahabad from where he earned his Bachelor of Science (BSc). He completed his master's in Mathematics from IIT, Kanpur, in 1978.[6] While on leave from the Government of India, he earned a master's in computer science from University of California, Riverside in 2002[7] and subsequently a PhD from IIT, Delhi.[8]

Career[edit | edit source]

Ram Sewak Sharma joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1978.He belongs to the Jharkhand cadre.[9] In 1986, he wrote a program in DBASE, a programming language that would keep a record of all stolen firearms in the crime-prone district. As soon as a firearm would be found, the programme would run a search query among thousands of age-old records. This software enabled the solving of 22 cases in just 30 days.[10]

He held responsibilities in his home cadre of Jharkhand as well as in ministries of the Central government, including, as Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand .[9]

UIDAI[edit | edit source]

As the first Director General of the Unique Identification Authority of India, he helped create the 12-digit identity number, called Aadhaar, which is available to all eligible residents in India. He has authored a book titled The Making of Aadhaar: World's Largest Identity Platform (ISBN 9390356121) describing this project.[11]

TRAI[edit | edit source]

He was appointed the Chairman of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) from August 2015 for a period of three years. At the end of this tenure, he was given a further extension of two years.[12] As Chairman of TRAI, he steered the adoption of net neutrality regulations in India. He has taken measures to enable consumer choice in determining market outcomes, e.g. a new framework for broadcasting and cable services,[13] regulations for mobile number portability,[14] and the use of crowd-sourced information or field measurements to inform customers.[15] As the TRAI chairman, his goal to gradually reduce Interconnect Usage Charges earned him acclaim from some and criticism from others. Critics allege that the decision is biased towards Jio while those defending TRAI claim that reducing these charges was necessary for the continuous growth of the sector.[16]

CoWIN[edit | edit source]

He is the chairperson of an empowered committee for administration of COVID-19 vaccine delivery technology platform (Co-WIN).[17][18] CoWIN along with the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign was launched by the Prime Minister on January 16, 2021. Dr. Sharma was called back from retirement to take the responsibility of developing and executing the CoWIN or the COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network.[19] India crossed a mark of administering 2 billion vaccinations in July, 2022.[20] The country also signed an MoU with the government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for sharing CoWIN.[21]

Dr. Sharma also served on the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19, a body constituted by the Government of India to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[22]

NHA[edit | edit source]

In February 2021, Sharma was appointed as the chief executive officer of the National Health Authority of India, a body responsible for implementing two health initiatives of the Government of India, Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) which is a public health insurance scheme and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, a platform to promote digitization of healthcare in India and served the office till January 2023.[23][24][25]

Controversies[edit | edit source]

In 2018, Sharma dismissed concerns regarding privacy and potential misuse of India's national biometric ID, and disclosed his Aadhar number on twitter, challenging users to “do any harm to me.” and stating that the purpose of the challenge was "... to debunk the theory that Aadhaar compromises the privacy of the person.”[26][27] Following this, individual researchers were able to locate his personal address, the number of the mobile phone he used as well as an alternate phone number that he used, his WhatsApp profile picture, his voter identification card and his tax identification card (PAN card). Sharma dismissed these disclosures on Twitter, stating that the information could not be used to harm him.[26][28] The information was used to make a symbolic deposit of ₹1 in one of his bank accounts, to demonstrate the potential for misuse.[29] The UIDAI made a statement indicating that this personal information concerning Mr. Sharma was already in the public domain.[30] In December 2020, Sharma's Aadhar number was used to fraudulently register him for an agricultural benefit scheme, the PM Kisan Yojana, as a result of which benefits that he was not eligible for were deposited into his account. Sharma has blamed the state government for failing to conduct adequate verification.[31]

Awards[edit | edit source]

  • Voice and Data "Telecom Person of the Year" award for his role in balancing the interests of the telecom industry and consumers - 2019[32]
  • Voice & Data Lifetime Achievement Award - 2022 [33]
  • Economic Times Telecom Award for Lifetime Achievement - 2022 [34]

Recognition for CoWIN platform developed under his leadership

  • In 2021, Voice & Data recognized CoWIN as a "Pathbreaker" for its role in the vaccination drive during the COVID-19 pandemic.[35]
  • In 2023, CoWIN received the Global Game Changer Award from Marico Foundation, recognizing its innovative use of technology to facilitate the vaccination process.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "National Health Authority appoints Deepti Gaur Mukerjee as CEO - Elets eHealth". ehealth.eletsonline.com. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  2. ↑ "Civil List of IAS Officers". dtf.in. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  3. ↑ "Visiting faculty". iitk.ac.in. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  4. ↑ "All About Open Network for Digital Commerce". ONDC | Open Network for Digital Commerce. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  5. ↑ "Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification" (PDF).
  6. ↑ Jain, Akshai (1 January 2010). "Ram Sewak Sharma | A different drummer". Mint. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  7. ↑ "Ram Sewak Sharma | University of California, Riverside - Academia.edu". ucriverside.academia.edu. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  8. ↑ Pandey, Navadha. "R.S. Sharma, outspoken Trai chairman with a flair for technology, retires today". Mint. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Complete Biodata". Ministry of Personnel. Government of India. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  10. ↑ Julka, Harsimran (20 July 2010). "UID will give mobile identity to people". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  11. ↑ "'Making of Aadhaar' — new book presents candid, first-hand account of how the ID was created". The Print. 8 September 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  12. ↑ "R S Sharma re-appointed TRAI chairperson till 2020". Business Line. Hindu. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  13. ↑ "Regulation and Amendment". Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Retrieved 13 March 2020.[permanent dead link]
  14. ↑ "Mobile Number Portability". Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Archived from the original on 18 August 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  15. ↑ "TRAI Analytics". analytics.trai.gov.in. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  16. ↑ Block, Daniel. "How Reliance Jio is monopolising the telecom sector". The Caravan. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  17. ↑ Mookerji, Nivedita (9 January 2021). "RS Sharma, former Trai chief, to head empowered panel for Covid-19 vaccine". www.business-standard.com. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  18. ↑ "Government of India, Cabinet Secretariat notification" (PDF).
  19. ↑ "The CoWIN story started with the pandemic, but it won't end with it". 7 June 2022.
  20. ↑ "India crosses 200 crore Covid-19 vaccinations: Day to remember forever, says Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya". The Indian Express. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  21. ↑ Perappadan, Bindu Shajan (23 July 2022). "CoWIN platform 'know-how' now available free of cost to any country". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  22. ↑ "COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  23. ↑ "Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification" (PDF).
  24. ↑ Mookerji, Nivedita (28 January 2021). "Indu Bhushan to leave as Ayushman Bharat chief, R S Sharma to take over". www.business-standard.com. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  25. ↑ "ABDM will aid universal health coverage in accessible, affordable, timely manner: R S Sharma". Moneycontrol. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "TRAI chief's Aadhar dare backfires, personal details put online". The Hindu. 29 July 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  27. ↑ "TRAI chief's Aadhaar challenge decoded: Why R S Sharma gave out his Aadhaar number". The Financial Express. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  28. ↑ "Personal details of TRAI chief RS Sharma 'leaked' after open challenge on Twitter". Tech2. 29 July 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  29. ↑ Rachel Chitra (30 July 2018). "Hackers deposit Re 1 in Trai chief's account | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  30. ↑ "Trai chief's personal details not taken from Aadhaar database: UIDAI". Hindustan Times. 29 July 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  31. ↑ Yasmin Ahmed (14 December 2020). "Former UIDAI chief RS Sharma suffers Aadhaar fraud, Rs 6000 PM Kisan fund deposited in his account". India Today. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  32. ↑ Bureau, Voice&Data. "RS Sharma, Manoj Kohli, Dr. Anand Agarwal conferred Voice&Data Leadership Awards". www.voicendata.com. Retrieved 10 November 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  33. ↑ Bureau, Voice&Data. "V&D Confers Lifetime Achievement Award to RS Sharma". www.voicendata.com. Retrieved 10 November 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  34. ↑ www.ETTelecom.com. "ETTelecom Awards 2022: Former Trai Chief RS Sharma bags Lifetime Achievement Award - ET Telecom". ETTelecom.com. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  35. ↑ Bureau, Voice&Data. "Cowin Platform, Among V&D Jury Award Winners, at Voice&Data Telecom Leadership Forum, 2022". www.voicendata.com. Retrieved 10 November 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)

External links[edit | edit source]

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