Assam’s Dr Varnali Deka Becomes First Woman IAS Officer from State Empanelled as Joint Secretary to Centre

Assam has marked a significant milestone in its administrative history with Dr Varnali Deka becoming the first woman IAS officer from the state to be empanelled for appointment as Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

A 2009-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Deka had served as Commissioner and Secretary of Assam’s General Administration Department before proceeding on central deputation in August last year.

Her administrative career in Assam has included postings as Deputy Commissioner in Barpeta, Golaghat, Goalpara, Kokrajhar and Nalbari. She has also held several senior responsibilities, including Vice Chairman and CEO of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, Managing Director of the Assam Skill Development Mission and Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, and Executive Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Deka’s professional journey began in the corporate sector, where she worked with Tata Consultancy Services’ Global Consulting Practice and ANZ Bank before entering the civil services. She initially secured Rank 82 in the UPSC examination for the IPS, and later achieved Rank 16 to enter the IAS.

Academically, Deka holds qualifications in Computer Science, Business Administration and Law, along with a PhD in Commerce. Her work in public administration has earned national recognition, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and the National e-Governance Award.

Her administrative initiatives have also received recognition from institutions including NITI Aayog and the United Nations Development Programme, further highlighting her contribution to governance and public service.