Bhubaneswar: In a landmark development for the Indian Forest Service (IFS), two Odia officers, Anita Karan and Monalisa Dash, have been elected as President and Secretary General, respectively, of the IFS Association’s newly formed all-women National Executive Body.
This marks the first time in the association’s history that an all-women team is leading the organisation at the national level, setting a new precedent for gender representation in India’s civil services.
The IFS Association, which is one of the 36 organised civil services associations in the country, announced its new leadership during its recent General Body Meeting. Alongside Karan and Dash, the executive team includes Jyotsna Sitling as Patron, Dr. Surbhi Rai as Joint Secretary, Suvvena Thakur as Treasurer, and Chestha Singh as Literary Secretary.
The Indian Forest Service plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s forests, wildlife, and environment — vital components in India’s efforts towards a sustainable green economy. The election of an all-women executive body reflects shifting attitudes towards inclusive leadership and gender equality within the civil services.
For Odisha, the elevation of Anita Karan and Monalisa Dash is a matter of pride, underscoring the state’s contribution to the nation’s top civil services leadership.
This historic election is not only a proud moment for the IFS fraternity but also a significant milestone for the broader civil services community in India.
