Preeti Sudan, a 1983 batch IAS officer and former Union Health Secretary, is poised to take the helm as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Her appointment comes at a time when the UPSC is navigating a controversy involving probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedekar’s alleged record falsification, and follows the unexpected resignation of former Chairman Mahesh Soni.
Sudan’s extensive career is marked by her dedication and contributions across various key sectors. An officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, she has served in significant roles including Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution and in the ministries of Women & Child Development and Defence. Her leadership has been pivotal in steering prominent government initiatives such as the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Ayushman Bharat missions, as well as the legislation on the National Medical Commission, Allied Health Professionals Commission, and the ban on e-cigarettes.
From 2017 to 2020, Sudan served as the Health Secretary of India, where she emerged as a key strategist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts in the health sector have been widely recognized, and since 2020, she has been a member of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR). This independent group, co-chaired by Helen Clark and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, examines the responses of the World Health Organization (WHO) and various countries to the pandemic.
Sudan’s expertise extends beyond national boundaries. She has served as Chair of COP-8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and as a member of WHO’s Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with degrees in Economics and Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics. She has received training in public finance management in Washington and has served as a consultant at the World Bank.
Her journey in public service is a testament to her commitment to improving governance and public welfare. Sudan’s strategic thinking and leadership have left an indelible mark on every role she has undertaken. As she steps into her new role as the Chairman of UPSC, her vast experience and proven track record are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the commission.
Preeti Sudan’s career is a blend of diverse roles and responsibilities, each marked by significant achievements and reforms. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful initiatives makes her an exemplary leader. As she takes on the mantle of UPSC Chairman, the commission stands to benefit from her seasoned expertise and visionary leadership.
