The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has named Preeti Sudan, 64, a retired Andhra Pradesh cadre IAS officer from the 1983 batch, as its new chairperson. The appointment was made public in a letter released on behalf of UPSC after being approved by President Droupadi Murmu.
The appointment order states, “Hon’ble President has also approved the appointment of Smt. Preeti Sudan, Member, UPSC, under clause (1) of the 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.”
Preeti Sudan's appointment as Chairperson of UPSC, granted under Article 316A of the Indian Constitution, follows the resignation of her predecessor, Manoj Soni. Having been a member of the UPSC since November 29, 2022, Sudan will now lead the Commission until her retirement in April 2025, upon turning 65.
Played pivotal role during Covid-19 pandemic crisis
Preeti Sudan has degrees in Economics and Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics. She has been trained in public finance management in Washington. Sudan, who retired as Union Health Secretary in July 2020, brings nearly 37 years of experience in diverse areas of government administration to the role. As per media reports, during her tenure as Health Secretary, she was pivotal in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during its peak.
Her service extends to the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. In her home cadre of Andhra Pradesh, she has held important positions in finance, planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture.
She has also actively contributed towards national programs including Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Ayushman Bharat missions, as well as legislation on the National Medical Commission, Allied Health Professionals Commission, and the ban on e-cigarettes. Additionally, Preeti Sudan has international experience, having served as a consultant for the World Bank.