Thiruvananthapuram: Call it a sweet twist of fate or the universe’s way of complementing life partners - Kerala’s power IAS couple has just scripted history. In a scene straight out of a Bollywood blockbuster, Dr. V. Venu retires as Kerala's Chief Secretary in August end, only to be succeeded by his wife, Sarada G. Muraleedharan, as the state’s 49th Chief Secretary.

Sarada, a seasoned bureaucrat with an impressive track record, has held key roles both at the state and national levels. As the Additional Chief Secretary of the local self-government department, she spearheaded significant initiatives, including her leadership of the Kudumbashree Mission from 2006 to 2012, focusing on women’s empowerment and poverty reduction.

Nationally, Sarada has served as the Chief Operating Officer at the National Rural Livelihoods Mission under the Ministry of Rural Development and as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Her tenure as Director General of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) was marked by curriculum restructuring and strategic projects.

Sarada’s appointment is part of a larger trend of women stepping into leadership roles in Indian bureaucracy. In June 2024, Sujata Saunik, a senior IAS officer from the 1987 batch, became Maharashtra’s first female Chief Secretary. Saunik’s three-decade career has seen her make significant contributions to public policy and governance, particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, and disaster management.

In another historic move, Rashmi Shukla, an IPS officer from the 1988 batch, became Maharashtra’s first female Director General of Police (DGP). Known for her work in women’s welfare and public safety, Shukla has held prominent roles, including Pune Police Commissioner and Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal.

Earlier this year, Idashisha Nongrang made history as Meghalaya’s first woman police chief. A 1992 batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Nongrang’s appointment as Director General of Police (DGP) is a cultural milestone, especially given her Khasi community background.

In Bihar, Shobha Ohatker, a 1990 batch IPS officer, became the state’s first woman to achieve the rank of Director General. As Director General cum Commandant General of the Home Guard and Bihar Fire Service, she has been instrumental in modernizing emergency response services, including the digitization of fire clearance processes.

These women leaders, including Sarada G. Muraleedharan, are not just breaking the glass ceiling - they’re redefining leadership in Indian bureaucracy. /BI/