NI Bureau
Preeti Sudan, a distinguished IAS officer from the 1983 batch and former Union Health Secretary, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), effective August 1, 2024. This appointment occurs amid ongoing controversy regarding probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedekar’s alleged falsification of records. Sudan’s promotion follows the recent resignation of UPSC Chairman Mahesh Soni, who stepped down for personal reasons.
President Droupadi Murmu approved Preeti Sudan’s appointment under clause (1A) of Article 316 of the Constitution, with effect from August 1, 2024.
Profile of Preeti Sudan
- Career: Preeti Sudan retired as Union Health Secretary in July 2020, concluding 37 years of distinguished service in government administration.
- Pandemic Management: She played a pivotal role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic during her tenure.
- Diverse Roles: Sudan has held significant positions in the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Women & Child Development, and Defence Ministries.
- State-Level Experience: Her roles at the state level include Finance & Planning, Disaster Management, Tourism, and Agriculture.
- Educational Background: Sudan holds an M.Phil in Economics and an M.Sc. in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics (LSE).
- Key Initiatives: She initiated flagship programs such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Ayushman Bharat.
- Legislative Contributions: Her efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the National Medical Commission and the ban on e-cigarettes.
- International Experience: Sudan has served as a consultant with the World Bank and held prominent positions, including Chair of COP-8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
- Leadership Roles: She has been the Vice Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and the Chair of the Global Digital Health Partnership.
- Global Health Contributions: Sudan was a member of WHO’s Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.
