IAS Sakshi Sawhney belongs to the 2014 batch Punjab cadre and is currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Punjab. With this appointment, She made history by becoming the first woman deputy Commissioner of Amritsar.

Her vision for the district focuses on skilling, employment, and livelihood for the youth. “We are working on skilling, employment, and livelihood for the youth and making the best of our demographic dividend, ensuring that every person can live their best life according to their capabilities,” she said.

Under her leadership, the district has launched an initiative called Future Tycoons, designed to provide marginalized groups and individuals with disabilities a platform to pitch their business ideas. Explaining the motivation behind this program, Sawhney said, “These people are talented individuals with brilliant ideas, but they lack access to platforms or mentorship. They aren’t part of business schools or incubators, and this initiative aims to bring them forward.” Citizens are being motivated to come, present their ideas or existing businesses and then receive 15-20 days of mentorship including training on how to make a presentation and how to pitch their ideas effectively. “We have a panel of judges, much like Shark Tank, who evaluate these pitches,” she shared. Recalling a success story, she said “In Patiala, where I implemented this idea earlier, a woman presented her concept of making diabetic-friendly achaar and murabba. Not only did they win the challenge and receive ₹50,000 as the first prize, but they also attracted investors and a network which are going to help them expand and grow.”

The impact of the program extends beyond financial support “A lot of social good comes out of this initiative. We help connect them with possible investors, mentors, and incubators and then the market does its magic. They are able to recognize the talent and merit in their ideas and move forward," she said.

Further enhancing opportunities for growth, Vocational skill certificates and courses on emerging technologies like AI are being introduced “We’ve showcased 3D manufacturing and AI tools to demonstrate how these technologies can add value to existing skills,” she added.

In addition to this for people with disabilities, a collaboration between Punjabi University and special schools enables students to pursue distance education. This initiative allows students with disabilities to study further locally, write exams, earn a degree, and secure jobs. "There are job reservations for people with disabilities, but without degrees, their opportunities are limited," she explained.

Sawhney’s ambitious vision also encompasses tourism and border villages, which often lack access. “we are working to develop facilities within these villages. For instance, two players from the Indian Hockey team who won hail from Amritsar. In their areas, I am establishing hockey nurseries to nurture local talent. “