President of India Droupadi Murmu has appointed Preeti Sudan, a 1983 batch IAS officer and former Union Health Secretary, as the new Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 31 July 2024. She will replace Dr Manoj Soni, who resigned earlier this month.
Preeti Sudan is the second woman to be appointed as the Chairperson of the UPSC after Mrs. R.M.Bathew (Kharbuli)(1992-96).
1983 batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IAS officer Preeti Sudan has held key positions in the Central government’s Department of Food and Public Distribution, the ministries of Women and Child Development and Defence.
Preeti Sudan has also played a crucial role in central government programmes such as Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao, and Beti Padhao, and significant legislations like the National Medical Commission and the ban on e-cigarettes.
The Constitution provides that the central government will consult the Union Public Service Commission on the following;
It also conducts various exams and interviews for appointment to the services of the government of India.
It advises the Government on any matter referred to the Commission by the President of India.