In a recent administrative reshuffle, IAS Aryaka Akhouri, a 2013-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Special Secretary in the Department of Medical, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh. She previously served as the District Magistrate and Collector of Ghazipur.
Known for her citizen-focused governance and effective administrative leadership, Ms. Akhouri brings both field experience and policy insight to her new role. Her appointment is being viewed as a strategic effort to reinforce leadership within one of the state’s most vital departments.
An alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi, Ms. Akhouri holds a B.Sc. in Botany and an M.Sc. in Plant Molecular Biology, both earned with First Division. She began her civil services journey at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
Her professional portfolio includes roles such as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Varanasi, and Chief Development Officer in Meerut, where she spearheaded several rural development programs.
She also served as Special Secretary in the Secondary Education Department, contributing to state-level education and HRD policies. As District Magistrate of Bhadohi (2021–2022) and Ghazipur (2022–2025), Ms. Akhouri earned acclaim for her work in crisis response, infrastructure enhancement, and public service delivery.
Her new assignment in the Health Department is expected to leverage her comprehensive administrative experience to support and advance Uttar Pradesh’s public health initiatives.
