India
Five top female IAS officers you should know about
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the most prestigious and sought-after Civil Service of the country. Joining the IAS is a dream for many but being an IAS officer is tough and needs great commitment. Though there are comparatively fewer women in IAS, they continue to inspire civil services aspirants with their dedication and commitment. Here are 5 female IAS officers to know about.
Aruna Sundararajan, one of the most senior female IAS officers
Aruna Sundararajan, a 1982-batch IAS officer, is one of the most senior civil servants. In 1998, she played a key role in setting up Kerala's IT Department. As Kerala's founding IT Secretary, Sundararajan was instrumental in launching the Akshaya e-literacy project. She was also honored by Forbes Magazine, which described her as "IAS officer who thinks like a businesswoman". She's currently India's Telecom Secretary.
Poonam Malakondaiah is one of the most honest IAS officers
Poonam Malakondaiah is another senior IAS officer of the 1988 batch from Andhra Pradesh. She is known to be a dedicated and honest officer; she has been transferred multiple times due to her resistance to corruption. Despite being transferred many times, she continues to fight against corrupt politicians and businessmen. She is currently the Principal Secretary of Andhra Pradesh's Health and Family Welfare Department.
Durga Shakti Nagpal is a gutsy woman IAS officer
Durga Shakti Nagpal, a 2010-batch IAS officer, is also known for fighting corruption. In 2011, she exposed a land scam in Mohali. In 2012, after moving to Uttar Pradesh, as the Noida Sub-Divisional Magistrate, she cracked down on the illegal sand mining in the Yamuna and Hindon river banks. She's currently the Officer on Special Duty to the Union Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Ministry.
The youngest IAS officer to be appointed to CM's office
Smita Sabharwal, a 2001-batch IAS officer of Telangana cadre, is another dynamic woman officer. She is known for launching "Fund Your City" initiative in Warangal and changing the education and healthcare scenario of Karimnagar when she was the District Collector. Sabharwal is the youngest IAS officer to be appointed to a Chief Minister's office. She is the Additional Secretary to the Telangana CM's Office.
Ira Singhal, the first differently-abled woman IAS topper
Ira Singhal, a 2015-batch IAS officer, is the first differently-abled woman to top the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She's currently the Deputy Commissioner of Keshavpuram Zone (North MCD), Delhi. Singhal is also working to bring more differently-abled and transgender candidates into the Civil Services. Despite clearing CSE-2010, her candidature was canceled because of her spine-related disorder; but she didn't give up and topped CSE-2014.
