Who was the First Woman IAS Officer of India

📝 Person in News: Anna Rajam Malhotra

Key Facts

  • Full Name: Anna Rajam Malhotra (1927 – 2018)
  • Achievement: First woman IAS officer of Independent India (1951 batch).
  • Cadre: Madras State (now Tamil Nadu).
  • Education: Master’s in English Literature, University of Madras.

Career Highlights

  • Served under Chief Ministers C. Rajagopalachari & K. Kamaraj.
  • Played a key role in the development of Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port), Mumbai – India’s largest container port.
  • Member of the organizing team for the 1982 Asian Games under Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership.
  • Worked in various central ministries including Agriculture and Home Affairs.

Recognition

  • Padma Bhushan awardee (1989).
  • Remembered as a pioneer for breaking gender barriers in the civil services.

Significance for Exams

  • Example of women empowerment in Indian bureaucracy.

    Updated - Mar 7, 2025, 11:57 PM | Jagran Josh