Anita Karn Elected President, Monalisa Dash Secretary General – A Landmark for Gender Equity in Civil Services
In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Association has elected its first-ever all-women national executive body—marking a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in the Indian civil services. The newly appointed leadership team brings together a formidable mix of field experience, policy innovation, and administrative excellence.
Newly Elected Executive Members:
Jyotsna Sitling – Patron
Anita Karn (1997 batch, Gujarat cadre) – President
Monalisa Dash (2003 batch, Sikkim cadre) – Secretary General
Dr. Surbhi Rai (2005 batch, AGMUT cadre) – Joint Secretary
Suveena Thakur (2014 batch, Himachal Pradesh cadre) – Treasurer
Chestha Singh (2018 batch, AGMUT cadre) – Literary Secretary
Leadership Profiles:
Jyotsna Sitling (1987 batch) – Patron
The first tribal woman to join the IFS, Sitling is renowned for her leadership in conservation and sustainable livelihoods. As Director of Nanda Devi National Park (2002–2004), she oversaw the removal of 44 tonnes of waste from the Valley of Flowers, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status. Recipient of the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar and the PM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, she has been instrumental in integrating gender-sensitive and community-based environmental governance in Uttarakhand.
Anita Karn (1997 batch) – President
A senior officer from the Gujarat cadre, Karn has made notable contributions to inclusive conservation. She introduced a pioneering model in Gir Sanctuary by deploying 95 women (forest guards and foresters), enhancing gender representation in field operations. Her leadership in Kutch as Chief Conservator of Forests and later as Additional PCCF (Research & Training) is marked by innovation in community engagement and capacity building. Her election as IFS Association President signals a vision for institutional reform and sustainable forest management.
Monalisa Dash (2003 batch) – Secretary General
Dash brings a multidisciplinary academic and administrative background. With service in the Ministries of AYUSH, DoNER, and Home Affairs, she has led initiatives on traditional medicine, North-East development, CAPF welfare, and police modernization. As Joint Secretary and MD at IMPCL, she has played a pivotal role in bolstering India’s herbal pharmaceutical sector. Her experience adds a strategic and welfare-oriented dimension to the IFS Association.
Dr. Surbhi Rai (2005 batch) – Joint Secretary
Currently serving as Deputy Inspector General of Forests in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Rai is recognized for her strategic role in ecosystem governance. As Officer on Special Duty to the Director General of Forests, she has been involved in cross-sectoral forestry policy execution and national capacity-building under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Suveena Thakur (2014 batch) – Treasurer
As Assistant Inspector General of Forests (MoEF&CC), Thakur handles key portfolios involving forestry finance, silviculture, and conflict mitigation. Her on-ground experience in Himachal Pradesh informs her work in climate-resilient forestry and stakeholder-driven conservation strategies, especially within ecologically fragile zones.
Chestha Singh (2018 batch) – Literary Secretary
An IIT Kanpur graduate and self-taught civil services achiever, Singh is known for her academic rigor and outreach. She authored Kamlang Tiger Reserve – At a Glance and promotes a knowledge-sharing culture within the IFS through her role as Literary Secretary. Her cross-disciplinary contributions exemplify the evolving nature of forest service leadership.
A Transformative Moment in Public Service
The appointment of an all-women executive committee reflects a shift toward inclusive and representative leadership in India’s environmental governance. Combining tribal representation, technical expertise, regional diversity, and policy insight, this team sets a new benchmark for the Indian Forest Service and civil services at large.
