Guwahati, Aug. 29 -- Dr Varnali Deka has become the first woman IAS officer from Assam to be empanelled for appointment as Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

Deka was serving as Commissioner and Secretary of Assam's General Administration Department (GAD) before proceeding on deputation to the Centre in August last year.

During her career in the Assam administration, Deka has served as Deputy Commissioner in five districts -Barpeta, Golaghat, Goalpara, Kokrajhar, and Nalbari. She has also held several senior positions, including Vice Chairman and CEO of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, Managing Director of the Assam Skill Development Mission and Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, and Executive Director of Sam...