Who is Preeti Sudan? The New Chairperson of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan

UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan: On August 1, Preeti Sudan will assume the role of Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), as appointed under Article 316 A of the Indian Constitution. This transition follows the resignation of her predecessor, Manoj Soni, who stepped down due to personal reasons.

Preeti Sudan, who has been serving as a member of the UPSC, will now lead the Commission with a tenure extending until April 2025, when she reaches the age of 65.

Career and Background

Sudan, an IAS officer from the 1983 batch of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, retired from her position as Union Health Secretary in July 2020. Her distinguished career also includes roles as Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution, as well as positions in the Ministry of Women & Child Development and the Ministry of Defence. She holds an M.Phil in Economics and an MSc in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics.

Contributions and Initiatives

Mrs. Sudan played a key role in launching significant national 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.

Global Experience and Leadership Roles

In addition to her governmental roles, Mrs. Sudan has a global impact as a former Consultant with the World Bank. Her leadership positions include 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.