In a significant appointment to one of India’s most prestigious constitutional bodies, Ms. Anuradha Prasad, former Secretary to the Government of India (Inter State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs), took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) today. The oath was administered by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), the seniormost Member of the Commission, in a formal ceremony.
A Distinguished Career Spanning Over 37 Years
Ms. Anuradha Prasad is a 1986 batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) and brings with her an exceptional track record of over 37 years in public service, marked by rich and diverse experiences across key ministries including Defence, Finance, Labour & Employment, Food Processing Industries, and Home Affairs.
A graduate from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and a post-graduate in History from the University of Delhi, Ms. Anuradha Prasad also holds a Master’s degree in Development Administration from the University of Birmingham, U.K. Her academic and professional background has equipped her with deep insights into public policy, public finance, and cooperative federalism.
Leadership in Policy, Finance, and Reform
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Anuradha Prasad has held key roles in shaping policies and driving effective program implementation. As Finance Manager in the Acquisitions Wing of the Ministry of Defence, she was responsible for handling major defence platform acquisitions. In the Ministry of Finance, she oversaw financial management for Defence Services and the Ordnance Factory Board.
Her tenure at the Ministry of Food Processing Industries was marked by significant contributions to the development of India’s food industry through promotion of cold chain infrastructure, food testing labs, and industry-driven R&D. She also served as a Member of the Board of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET), adding regulatory expertise to her profile.
As Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ms. Anuradha Prasad was instrumental in the drafting of the Labour Codes and in the development of the e-Shram Portal, India’s national database for unorganized sector workers. Her role as Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) was especially impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she led several initiatives for worker health and welfare.
Strengthening Federalism and Governance
In her role as Secretary, Inter State Council Secretariat (Ministry of Home Affairs), Ms. Prasad was at the forefront of managing Centre-State and Inter-State relations. She was widely recognized for her consensus-building skills on sensitive national issues, which helped expedite key policy decisions and infrastructure projects.
Post-Retirement Public Service
Even after her retirement from government service, Ms. Anuradha Prasad continued her commitment to public welfare. She served as Member of the Police Complaints Authority, Government of NCT Delhi, handling issues related to public grievances and police accountability.
A Valuable Addition to the UPSC
Ms. Prasad’s vast administrative experience, coupled with her depth in policy, finance, and regulatory affairs, makes her a valuable asset to the Union Public Service Commission. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen the Commission’s mandate in selecting and nurturing India’s future civil servants with integrity, efficiency, and vision.
