New Delhi, India : Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), taking office on August 1, 2024. An IAS officer from the 1983 batch, Sudan will be the second woman to hold this prestigious position, following R M Bathew, who served as chairperson in 1996.
The appointment was confirmed by President Droupadi Murmu, as per a formal letter addressed to UPSC Secretary Shashi Ranjan Kumar by Additional Secretary Manoj Kumar Dwivedi. Sudan will serve in the role until her retirement on April 29, 2025, or until further orders, whichever comes first. Preeti Sudan
Preeti Sudan
Preeti Sudan brings nearly 37 years of extensive experience in public administration. She has held key positions in various ministries, including the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and the Ministry of Defence. As Union Health Secretary from 2017 to July 2020, she played a crucial role in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the final six months of her tenure.
Sudan’s contributions extend beyond national borders. She has served as a consultant with the World Bank, Chair of COP-8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and Vice Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. Her involvement in major national initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Ayushman Bharat, and the National Medical Commission has been noteworthy.
Sudan’s appointment follows the resignation of Manoj Soni, who stepped down from the position on July 31, 2024. Soni, who had been with the UPSC since 2017, cited personal reasons for his departure, which came nearly five years before the end of his term in 2029. His resignation coincided with a controversy involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly used fraudulent disability and caste certificates to gain selection. However, sources indicate that Soni’s resignation was not linked to this controversy.
The UPSC is a constitutional body established in 1926, responsible for recruiting and training civil servants for the Government of India. It conducts examinations for various government positions, including the highly competitive Civil Services Exam (CSE). The commission also advises the government on recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary actions concerning civil servants.
Preeti Sudan’s appointment marks a significant milestone in her distinguished career.
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