Who is Preeti Sudan: UPSC's newest chairperson, a 1983 batch IAS and former Union Health Secretary

Who is UPSC Preeti Sudan: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Ministry of Personnel announced on Wednesday that Preeti Sudan, a former Union Health Secretary and 1983 batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

In a letter to the Secretary of the UPSC, the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Personnel stated that Preeti Sudan will serve as Chairperson of the UPSC from August 1, 2024 to April 29, 2025. The notice reads, "Hon'ble President has approved the appointment of Smt. Preeti Sudan, Member, UPSC, for performing the duties of Chairman, UPSC with effect from 1st August, 2024 till further orders or till 29.04.2025, whichever is earlier."

Notably, Preeti Sudan is the second woman chairperson to head the UPSC. Earlier Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli was the chairperson in 1996.

Who is Preeti Sudan: Newly appointed UPSC chairperson?

Preeti Sudan, a 1983 batch (retired) IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has had a distinguished career in public service. She retired as the Health Secretary in July 2020 and has also served in the Women and Child Development and Defence Ministries.

Tomorrow, on August 1, Preeti Sudan will take on the role of Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), as appointed under Article 316A of the Indian Constitution. This appointment follows the resignation of her predecessor, Manoj Soni, who stepped down for personal reasons. Sudan, who has been a member of the UPSC, will now lead the Commission until April 2025, when she reaches the age of 65.

During her tenure in Andhra Pradesh, Sudan handled several key portfolios, including finance and planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture.

Nationally, Sudan played a crucial role in launching significant programs such as Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao, and Ayushman Bharat. She was also instrumental in the legislation for the National Medical Commission, the Allied Health Professionals Commission, and the ban on e-cigarettes.

Sudan holds a degree in Economics and Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics and has received training in public finance management in Washington, according to media reports.

Beyond her governmental roles, Sudan has made a global impact. She has worked as a Consultant with the World Bank and held leadership positions such as Chair of COP-8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Vice Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Chair of the Global Digital Health Partnership, and a member of WHO's Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

Check the official appointment notice below-

Appointment of Preeti Sudan comes after the sudden resignation of former UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni last few weeks back. Soni's resignation letter stated that he was leaving for 'personal reasons'. According to reports, Soni submitted his resignation a few weeks ago, but it has yet to be approved by higher authorities. According to official sources, Soni's resignation is unrelated to any UPSC controversies or allegations, including the situation with probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar.

ALSO READ: Who is Manoj Soni: UPSC chairman who resigned 5 years before completion of tenure for 'spiritual calling'


(With agency inputs)

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