Sharad Ughade

Director (Information Technology)

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

My professional journey has been a melange of impact driven leadership and innovation in urban governance. Currently serving as Assistant Municipal Commissioner at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai, I lead the 'D' ward with a half-million population, overseeing 3,000 employees and managing a $30 million IT infrastructure and technology budget.

My responsibilities encompass crucial municipal services, from water supply and solid waste management to disaster response and healthcare. Throughout my tenure, I've spearheaded pioneering initiatives that redefine how Mumbai’s citizen enjoy hassle free civic services. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I played vital role in establishing India's first Jumbo COVID center at the National Sports Club of India and introduced innovative measures like telemedicine and drone-based insecticide treatments at inaccessible areas in my neighbourhood. My role extends to the realm of technology as Director IT (Additional Charge), where I've set benchmarks for citizen services through the 'MyBMC' portal and a WhatsApp Chatbot. I also hold additional charge, as the Director of IT for Mumbai, where I oversee implementation of innovative technologies for urban safety & citizen welfare. Introducing long-distance visibility traffic signals during my tenure led to a 25% reduction in road accidents. The latest 3D digital twin mapping pilot project in my Ward has inspired a fresh model for city planning and disaster management.

Beyond my managerial role, I've been recognized for my contributions, receiving the esteemed Balasaheb Thackrey Award for Best Assistant Commissioner. As a thought leader, I've delivered a TEDx Talk on "Reclaiming Public Places in Mumbai" and addressed IAS officer trainees on "Public Realm Design." Additionally, I've represented India at global platforms, including the World Geospatial Summit at Rotterdam and the Shanghai Expo.

I believe my education spanning an MBA in Financial Management, and a PG program in AI-ML, ongoing Ph.D. in Urban Management have honed my expertise in policy implementation, local body governance, and leveraging technology for urban solutions. As I progress in my journey, my focus remains on contributing to the transformation of urban landscapes, fostering sustainability, and driving impactful change. At Oxford, I aim to elevate the leadership capacities of students, integrate global perspectives, and further advance innovative solutions on a national and international scale, for a rapidly evolving society.