It is the third consecutive time a lady IAS is the head of the textile department, as Special Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Zohra Chatterji takes charge from Kiran Dhingra as the new Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. An IAS officer of the 1979 batch Uttar Pradesh cadre, Zohra is a Graduate in Physics (Hons.) and Post-Graduate in English Literature. She has been associated with the industries sector in the north Indian States for nearly 10 years and has held posts including MD of the UP Small Industries Corporation and UP Handlooms. She has also served as Secretary and Director General, Tourism; Secretary and Director, Industries; and Labour Commissioner.
Awarded with the Prime Minister’s ‘Award for Excellence in Public Administration’ for implementing an e-governance project “Lokvani” for redressal of public grievances in UP, Chatterji joined the Government of India in May, 2007, on Central deputation as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. On her promotion as Additional Secretary, she served as Member Secretary, National Commission for Women.
The industry is not doing well from the last few years and challenges are many, in this drop back it will be interesting to see how she will serve the Ministry of Textile. Apparel Online wishes her all the best for her new role.
