Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan Appointed As UPSC Chairman

Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan will take over the post of UPSC Chairman from Manoj Soni who resigned a few days ago due to 'personal reasons'.

Ex-IAS Preeti Sudan to take charge as Chairman of UPSC on August 1.

Source : MoHFWIndia

The Union Public Service Commission has appointed Ex-IAS Preeti Sudan as Chairman of UPSC. Preeti Sudan, a 1983 batch Ex-IAS officer from the AP cadre, served as Union Health Secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was retired in July, 2020.

President Droupadi Murmu approves the appointment of Preeti Sudan, Member, UPSC, under clause (1A) of Article 316 of the Constitution for performing the duties of Chairperson of UPSC with effect from August 1, 2024 till further orders or April 29, 2025, whichever is earlier.

Preeti Sudan brings a wealth of experience with 37 years in government administration to her new role as UPSC Chairperson. Her distinguished career includes significant positions such as Union Health Secretary, where she played a pivotal role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served as Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution and held key roles in the Ministries of Women & Child Development and Defence.

In state administration, Sudan managed diverse portfolios, including Finance & Planning, Disaster Management, Tourism, and Agriculture. She holds an M. Phil in Economics and an M.Sc. in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics (LSE).

Sudan has been instrumental in launching major national programs, including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Ayushman Bharat. She also contributed to significant legislation such as the National Medical Commission, the Allied Health Professionals Commission, and the ban on E-cigarettes. Her extensive experience is further enriched by her tenure as a consultant with the World Bank.

On July 20, Dr Manoj Soni, resigned from the post of chairperson stating personal reasons. The President has accepted the resignation of Dr Soni from the post of Chairman UPSC with effect from July 31, 2024. Before this, Dr Soni served as a member of UPSC from 28 June 2017 to 15 May 2023. 

Manoj, a distinguished educationist assumed the role of a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on June 28, 2017.