Odia Officers Lead First All-Women IFS National Body

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark moment for the Indian Forest Service (IFS), an all-women National Executive Body has been elected to lead the IFS Association for the first time in its history. Notably, two Odia officers — Anita Karan and Monalisa Dash — have been elected as President and Secretary General, respectively, marking a proud achievement for Odisha.

The announcement was made during the Association’s recent General Body Meeting, where the historic leadership team was officially formed. The new all-women executive includes Jyotsna Sitling as Patron, Dr. Surbhi Rai as Joint Secretary, Suvvena Thakur as Treasurer, and Chestha Singh as Literary Secretary.

This milestone sets a new precedent in the Indian civil services by promoting gender-inclusive leadership at the national level. The Indian Forest Service, a vital pillar in safeguarding India’s environment, forests, and wildlife, now reflects greater representation and equality within its top ranks.

The elevation of Karan and Dash is particularly significant for Odisha, highlighting the state’s growing contribution to leadership roles within India’s elite administrative services.

The election of this all-women executive body is being hailed as a transformative moment — not only for the IFS fraternity but also for the broader Indian civil services community striving for gender parity and inclusive governance.