Monalisa Dash, a 2003-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer from the Sikkim cadre, has been assigned the additional charge of Managing Director at the Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL), Almora, Uttarakhand. She currently serves as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
Educational Background and Origin
Originally from Odisha, Ms Dash holds degrees in MSc, M.Phil, and LLB. Over the course of her career, she has held several key administrative roles, including Special Resident Commissioner at Sikkim House, Government of Sikkim, and Joint Secretary in the Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Her multidisciplinary academic background and cross-sectoral experience have shaped her ability to handle complex policy issues and administrative functions effectively.
Administrative Career Across Sectors
Ms. Dash’s current assignments reflect her dynamic leadership across ministries. Since April 2024, she has been serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), where she has spearheaded initiatives focused on social development, secondary livelihood options, capacity building, and implementation of flagship schemes like PM-DevINE and SoNEC. She also chairs the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC).
Simultaneously, she has been handling responsibilities as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of AYUSH since December 2024, managing strategic policy directions and initiatives in traditional medicine.
Her earlier stints in the Ministry of Home Affairs between 2021 and 2024 included crucial director-level roles overseeing VIP security, police modernization, personnel management for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and digitization of welfare systems like the Ayushman CAPF health scheme. Her efforts significantly benefited over 35 lakh CAPF, Assam Rifles, and NSG personnel and their families.
She also contributed to recruitment reforms, UN peacekeeping deployment processes, and coordination of national-level law and order strategies. Notably, she played a critical role in the digitization and reform of the Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (formerly Central Police Canteen), which recorded a turnover of ₹6.87 crore.
Strong Roots in Sikkim Cadre
Ms Dash’s career foundation lies in field roles under the Government of Sikkim. From 2003 to 2021, she held a series of administrative and forest management positions including Deputy Conservator of Forests, Divisional Forest Officer (South and North Divisions), and ultimately rose to become Special Resident Commissioner at Sikkim House in New Delhi. Her crisis and disaster management skills were honed during this time, alongside coordination of welfare and administrative services for Sikkimese citizens outside the state.
She also served briefly as Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim in 2012–2013, reflecting the state government’s trust in her capabilities during a politically sensitive period.
Looking Ahead
With her appointment at IMPCL, Ms Dash is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s traditional medicine manufacturing capabilities, ensuring quality assurance, and supporting the Ministry of AYUSH’s broader goal of promoting holistic healthcare.
About IMPCL
IMPCL, established in 1978, is a central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of AYUSH. It is renowned for manufacturing quality Ayurvedic and Unani medicines and plays a crucial role in the implementation of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Based in Almora, Uttarakhand, IMPCL contributes significantly to the government’s efforts to promote traditional systems of medicine across India.
