The former Union Health Secretary, Preeti Sudan, is set to take over as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on August 1, 2024. This appointment follows the resignation of her predecessor, Manoj Soni. Preeti Sudan, who has been a member of the UPSC since November 29, 2022, will chair the Commission until her retirement in April 2025, upon turning 65. The announcement of her appointment came through a letter to UPSC Secretary Shashi Ranjan Kumar from Additional Secretary Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, following the approval of President Droupadi Murmu.
“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,” the appointment order stated.
Departure of Manoj Soni
Manoj Soni, the departing chairman, had been with the UPSC since 2017, initially as a member and later as Chairperson from May 16, 2023. His resignation, which took effect a few days ago, occurred nearly five years before the conclusion of his tenure slated for 2029. He cited “personal reasons” for his early departure, paving the way for Sudan’s elevation to the top position.
Career Highlights of Preeti Sudan
Preeti Sudan’s career is marked by her extensive and varied roles:
- Union Health Secretary: Concluded her term in July 2020. She was instrumental in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the last six months of her tenure.
- Experience in Multiple Ministries: Served in the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Home Cadre Andhra Pradesh: Held positions in finance, planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture.
- International Experience: Worked as a consultant for the World Bank.
With approximately 37 years of experience in government administration, Preeti Sudan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role as Chairperson of the UPSC.
