Preeti Sudan: New UPSC Chairperson, Leadership Transition

Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the new UPSC chairperson, taking over from Manoj Soni, who resigned in July. Sudan has extensive experience in finance, planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture.

Appointment and Transition

Preeti Sudan appointed as new UPSC chairperson
Will assume charge on August 1, 2024
Replaces Manoj Soni, who resigned earlier in July
Sudan's tenure to continue until April 29, 2025, or until further orders
Appointment accepted by President Droupadi Murmu

Preeti Sudan's Background and Qualifications

Born on April 30, 1960
1983 batch (retired) IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre
Former Union Health Secretary (2017-2020)
Served in Women and Child Development and Defence Ministries
Experience in finance, planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture
Degree in Economics and Social Policy and Planning from London School of Economics
Trained in public finance management in Washington

Career Highlights and Contributions

Played crucial role in strategic response to COVID-19 pandemic as Health Secretary
Instrumental in planning and implementing Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Served as Secretary of Department of Food and Public Distribution
Consultant at World Bank
Member of Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR)
Board member of Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH)

Context of Leadership Change

Manoj Soni resigned almost five years before his tenure end (2029)
Resignation amid controversy involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar
Khedkar allegedly used fraudulent disability and caste certificates
Sources claim Soni's resignation unrelated to the controversy
Leadership change occurs during ongoing UPSC recruitment process scrutiny

UPSC Overview and Responsibilities

Constitutional body established under Articles 315-323 Part XIV Chapter II
Conducts various examinations for Union government
Organizes annual civil services examinations
Recommends candidates for IAS, IFS, IPS, and Central Services Group A and B
Led by Chairperson with maximum of 10 members

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