DoPT issues fresh deputation order; officer known for dynamic, people-centric administration
New Delhi: In a notable bureaucratic development, IAS officer Sufiyah Faruqui Wali (2009 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre) has been appointed as General Manager (Region) of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Bhopal, under the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), her appointment will be on deputation for a tenure of three years under the Central Staffing Scheme, effective from the date she assumes charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
A Sudden Change in Assignment
This appointment comes barely weeks after her last posting. On August 8, 2025, Ms. Faruqui Wali had been appointed as Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR) for Madhya Pradesh, with effect from October 1. However, before she could take charge, the Centre reassigned her to the Food Corporation of India—a move seen as recognition of her rising stature in national administration.
Career Highlights and Background
Born on May 13, 1981, Sufiyah Faruqui Wali is an alumna of Barkatulla University, Bhopal, where she completed both her B.A. and M.A. degrees. Over her career, she has held a wide range of leadership roles, including:
Commissioner, Women & Child Development
Mission Director, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bal Arogya Evam Poshan Mission
Collector, Raisen and Mandla districts
CEO, Employment Guarantee Council
Managing Director, MP Handicrafts & Handloom Development Corporation and MP Khadi Board
Director, Professional Examination Board, MP
She has consistently been noted for her pro-people approach, emphasis on grassroots governance, and ability to drive reforms with integrity and efficiency.
Public Image and Controversies
While admired for her administrative dynamism, Ms. Faruqui Wali has also faced occasional criticism. During her tenure as Collector of Mandla, opposition parties questioned her participation in cultural-religious events—most notably when she carried the Charan Paduka of Adi Shankaracharya. She defended her actions as efforts to foster cultural integration and communal harmony.
Despite such controversies, her reputation as a transparent, impact-driven officer has remained largely intact, winning her wide public appreciation.
Family and Personal Life
Ms. Faruqui Wali hails from a family with a strong bureaucratic background. Her father, Siraj Faruqui, served in the MPPSC, and in a rare instance of administrative history, once worked under his daughter when she was District Collector—a moment he described as a matter of personal pride.
She is married to Irshad Wali, a 2004-batch IPS officer who has served as DIG, Bhopal. The couple is regarded as a dedicated public service duo, committed to transparent and people-focused governance.
Distinctive Achievements
First IAS officer in India whose father served under her as District Collector.
Known for blending tradition with governance, exemplified by her cultural diplomacy.
Key contributions to nutrition programs, women & child development, education, and rural development.
Strong track record in handling sensitive postings and high-stakes assignments.
Recognized for honesty, inclusiveness, and administrative versatility.
Significance of Her Appointment
The appointment of Ms. Sufiyah Faruqui Wali as General Manager of FCI, Bhopal, is not merely a bureaucratic reshuffle but a strategic placement of an experienced and dynamic officer at the helm of one of the most critical institutions in India’s food security framework.
With FCI’s responsibilities spanning procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains, her diverse administrative portfolio and proven leadership style are expected to bring renewed efficiency, transparency, and innovation to the corporation’s regional operations in Madhya Pradesh.
