Bengal leads with the highest number of women IAS officers— GetBengal story

Amidst the outbreak of hierarchy and patriarchy, a remarkable change like women in the country’s leadership role signals not just representation, but a quiet revolution. West Bengal is one of the most notable states where women are taking on leadership roles and gradually reshaping governance.

Currently, West Bengal stands at the top for holding the highest number of women IAS officers in India, that is 84 in total. This number reflects that the state bureaucracy, once dominated by men, is slowly becoming more inclusive and diverse.

For a long time, IAS was considered only a male, and it was beyond imagination that a woman could hold a position of leadership at the national level. Women have always faced obstacles in getting placed at a higher level. But Bengal’s picture is changing. From grassroots work to high-level administration, women officers are now heading key departments and proving their abilities with action, not words.

For example, Smita Pandey, Mission Director of the State Rural Livelihood Mission, has empowered thousands of women’s self-help groups in rural Bengal through her leadership. 

Also, Nandini Chakravorty, Principal Secretary of Home and Hill Affairs, serving as the Principal Secretary of Home and Hill Affairs, shoulders key responsibilities in the Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism departments.

If we investigate further, Sanghamitra Ghosh, Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, plays a crucial role in shaping policies for Bengal’s most vulnerable groups.  

Another remarkable name, Roshni Sen, the Additional Chief Secretary of Fisheries, is a prominent personality in bringing grassroots sensitivity to policy-making.

And officers like Priyanka Singla, who earlier served as District Magistrate of Purba Bardhaman and now works in Disaster Management, continue to make governance more responsive and people-friendly.

These examples show that women officers in Bengal are not just holding positions, they are building trust, driving reforms, and making governance more empathetic.

Having 84 women officers in Bengal’s IAS cadre reflects more than representation. It reflects a new hierarchy of leadership, highlighting women's administrative strength and vision.