Is Preeti Sudan the Right Choice for UPSC Chairperson?
In a significant development, Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in an official order issued by the President. This follows the recent resignation of Manoj Soni. Currently serving as a UPSC member, Sudan will assume her new role on Thursday, starting 1 August 2024. Her tenure is set to continue until further notice or until 29 April 2025, whichever comes first.
Who is Preeti Sudan?
Preeti Sudan is a distinguished 1983-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Several vital positions mark her extensive career in public service. She served as the Union Health Secretary for three years, concluding her tenure in July 2020. Her appointment as the UPSC Chairperson marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Manoj Soni’s Resignation
Manoj Soni, the outgoing UPSC Chairperson, resigned effective 31 July 2024, having submitted his resignation earlier this month on 4 July. His resignation, nearly five years before the end of his tenure in 2029, was due to personal reasons. This paves the way for Preeti Sudan’s leadership.
Sudan’s Background and Experience
With 37 years of experience in government administration, Preeti Sudan brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her diverse roles have included serving in the Ministry of Defense, Women and Child Development, and various capacities in her home cadre of Andhra Pradesh, such as finance, planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture. She also has international experience as a consultant for the World Bank.
Leadership Transition
Preeti Sudan’s appointment was confirmed in a letter from Additional Secretary Manoj Kumar Dwivedi to UPSC Secretary Shashi Ranjan Kumar, following President Droupadi Murmu’s approval. The official order states, “Hon’ble President has also approved the appointment of Smt. Preeti Sudan, Member, UPSC, under clause (1) of Article 316 of the Constitution for performing the duties of Chairman, UPSC, with effect from 1 August 2024 till further orders or till 29.04.2025, whichever is earlier.”
This transition marks a new chapter for the UPSC under Sudan’s capable leadership. Her vast experience and proven track record make her well-equipped to lead the Commission in fulfilling its crucial role in selecting India’s civil servants.