Lucknow: Senior Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Anamika Singh, 2004 batch, has opted for voluntary retirement (VRS), reportedly due to dissatisfaction over not receiving a deputation to the central government. During her distinguished career, she has also served as Director in NITI Aayog and held key administrative positions across Uttar Pradesh.
Reason Behind Voluntary Retirement
Sources suggest that IAS Singh wanted to go on deputation to the central government, but did not receive the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the UP government. Frustrated by this, she chose VRS, even though her scheduled retirement was in 2038.
Career Highlights and Key Positions
She has served in several important roles in the UP administration, demonstrating a reputation as a sharp and capable officer –
- Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies Department
- CEO, UP Clean Air Management Project Authority
- Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department
- Secretary, Women Welfare & Child Development & Nutrition Department
- Secretary, Basic Education Department + SPD, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan + Director, Mid Day Meal Authority
At the central level, she served as –
- Director, NITI Aayog (Oct 2018 – July 2021)
- Deputy Secretary & Under Secretary, Ministry of HRD
She also held multiple district-level posts including District Magistrate & Collector positions in Unnao and Chitrakoot, as well as Chief Development Officer in Bareilly.
Notable Achievements
Ms Singh, originally from Fatehpur district, has consistently been recognized for her administrative efficiency and leadership skills.
Her tenure included transformational work in food distribution, education, environment, and women welfare programs. She was considered a dynamic officer in Uttar Pradesh and known for her ability to handle complex assignments.
Her recent transfer as Commissioner of Bareilly Division made headlines when it was unexpectedly cancelled shortly after notification, sparking discussions about her career trajectory prior to her VRS decision.
Educational Background
- B.A. & M.A. (Social Work)
- Background in Ancient History
She has successfully managed several key responsibilities throughout her career. Recently, she was appointed as the Commissioner of the Bareilly Division; however, this appointment was later rescinded. Currently, she was serving as the Commissioner in the Food and Civil Supplies Department of the Uttar Pradesh government.
Administrative Impact
The sudden decision to opt for voluntary retirement has come as a surprise to her fellow officers and within administrative circles. Her VRS application is currently under consideration for approval. If accepted, the Uttar Pradesh cadre will lose an experienced and highly capable female IAS officer, at a time when the number of women in the state’s administrative service is already low.
