Who Was India's First Woman Chief Minister?

Sucheta Kripalani (1908–1974) – India’s First Woman Chief Minister

Early Life & Education

• Born: 25 June 1908, Ambala, Punjab (now Haryana).
• Father: Dr. Surendranath Majumdar (government doctor, social reformer).
• Education: Master’s in History, St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
• Professor of Constitutional History, Banaras Hindu University.

Entry into Politics

• Married J.B. Kripalani (Congress leader) in 1936.
• Joined Indian National Congress (1938).
• Active in Quit India Movement (1942), closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
• Founded All India Mahila Congress to encourage women’s political participation.

Role in Freedom Struggle & Constitution-making

• Member, Constituent Assembly (1946) – one of 15 women members.
• Contributed to drafting of the Indian Constitution.
• Advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice.

Political Career

• Member of Provincial Parliament (1950–52).
• Member of First (1952–56) and Second Lok Sabha (1957–62).
• Minister in Uttar Pradesh prior to becoming CM.

Tenure as Chief Minister (1963–1967)

• First woman to be CM of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh).
• Assumed office on 2 October 1963.
• Focus areas: infrastructure, education, healthcare, anti-corruption measures, social justice.
• Notable achievement: resolved prolonged state employees’ strike (1967).

Legacy

• Trailblazer for women in Indian politics.
• Strong proponent of Gandhian philosophy.
• Inspired generations of women leaders.
• Died on 1 December 1974.
  
  Updated - Mar 8, 2025, 1:19 PM | Jagran Josh