New Delhi, October 12 (APAC Media): The Centre has appointed Dr. Varnali Deka, a 2009-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, as Joint Secretary to the National Health Authority (NHA). The appointment comes under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and will remain effective until August 28, 2030, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle involving 27 officers.
Previous Administrative Assignments
Before her latest appointment, Deka had been serving as Director in the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs on central deputation since 2025. Prior to joining the Centre, she held several senior positions in the Assam administration, including Commissioner and Secretary of the General Administration Department.
Over the course of her career, she served as Deputy Commissioner in five Assam districts: Barpeta, Golaghat, Goalpara, Kokrajhar and Nalbari. Her other assignments covered health administration, urban development, skill development and rural livelihoods.
She also served as Managing Director of the Assam Skill Development Mission, contributing to the state’s skill development initiatives.
Academic Background and Civil Services Journey
Deka has an extensive academic background, with a B.Tech degree, an MBA from IIT Bombay, an LLB, and a PhD in Commerce focused on entrepreneurial development in Northeast India. Before entering the civil services, she also gained corporate experience as a software engineer and business analyst.
Her civil services journey began with her selection for the Indian Police Service (IPS), securing an All India Rank of 82. She subsequently appeared for the examination again and secured an All India Rank of 16, joining the IAS.
Recognition and Achievements
In 2026, Deka became the first woman IAS officer from Assam to be empanelled as a Joint Secretary in the Government of India, according to the provided information.
Her administrative career has also been associated with initiatives recognised through honours such as the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration and the National Water Awards.
With her appointment to the NHA, Deka moves into a key central government position, bringing experience across district administration, state governance, skill development and central ministries.
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