Historic First: CM Mohan Yadav Appoints Four Promoted Women IAS Officers as District Collectors
Breaking the Glass Ceiling – Names Excluded from GAD’s Original List Added After CM’s Direct Intervention; A Landmark in Madhya Pradesh’s Administrative History
In a landmark decision, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has appointed four promoted women IAS officers as district collectors—a first in the state’s administrative history. This move not only represents a breakthrough for gender inclusivity but also corrects years of professional stagnation for these officers.
The appointments were made during a recent reshuffle of IAS postings. Notably, the four officers had not been included in the initial list prepared by the General Administration Department (GAD). Their inclusion, officials confirm, was made possible only after the direct intervention of CM Yadav, who instructed that their names be added to the final list.
The Officers Appointed
Usha Parmar (2011 batch)
Neetu Mathur (2014 batch)
Jamuna Bhide (2014 batch)
Anju Bhadauria (2014 batch)
All four officers had previously been bypassed for collector postings despite years of service. Their elevation to the coveted role of district collector marks an important career milestone, particularly for Usha Parmar, who had been awaiting such an opportunity since 2011.
Correcting Oversight, Promoting Representation
According to sources, the GAD’s omission of these officers in its original recommendations could have resulted in their progression to the super time scale without ever serving as collectors, a critical leadership position in an IAS officer’s career. The Chief Minister’s intervention is therefore being seen as a rare but decisive correction of an administrative oversight.
This move has been widely interpreted as recognition of both merit and representation. Observers note that local media and civil society had previously voiced concerns about the stagnation of promoted female IAS officers in Madhya Pradesh. The CM’s decision directly addresses those concerns, ensuring not only fairness but also greater inclusivity in governance.
A Milestone for Women in Governance
By entrusting four promoted women IAS officers with district leadership roles simultaneously, the Madhya Pradesh government has set a new precedent in administrative inclusivity. The appointments highlight a broader commitment to empowering women in governance and ensuring equal opportunities in the state’s bureaucratic framework.
