Guwahati: Dr Varnali Deka has become the first woman IAS officer from Assam to be empanelled for appointment as Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

Deka, an IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, was serving as Commissioner and Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD), Assam, before proceeding on deputation to the Centre in August last year.

During her administrative career in Assam, Deka served as Deputy Commissioner in five districts, including Barpeta, Golaghat, Goalpara, Kokrajhar and Nalbari.

She has also held several important positions in the state administration. These include Vice Chairman and CEO of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Managing Director of the Assam Skill Development Mission and Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, and Executive Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Her empanelment for the Joint Secretary-level post marks a significant milestone for women officers from Assam and recognises her long administrative experience and service at both the state and central levels.