Today, women’s participation in civil service seems to be increasing, but there was a time when administrative service was not considered suitable for women. In the same period, a girl from Kerala decided that she would do what people call impossible. This is the story of Anna Rajam Malhotra, who became India’s first female IAS officer. In the year 1951, when the country was making a new system, Anna created history with his courage and hard work.
Anna Rajam was born in Kerala. She was very fast in studies. He completed his schooling in Kozhikode and studied English Literature from Madras University. At that time very few girls could access higher education. Anna made education her biggest strength.
Big decision taken in interview
In the year 1950 he passed the Civil Services Examination. During the interview, she was advised to choose foreign service or other central services, because administrative service was considered difficult for women. But Anna clearly said that he wants to become an IAS only. This decision was considered very courageous at that time.
First posting, first challenge
In 1951, she became IAS in Madras cadre. His first posting was as Sub-Collector in Tirupattur. It was new for people to see a female officer working in the field. Initially there was opposition and doubt, but Anna won everyone’s trust with her work.
Anna Rajam Malhotra played many important responsibilities in his career. She had worked with seven Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers and two Prime Ministers. He played a big role in the development of Nhava Sheva Port near Mumbai. She was the chairperson of this port trust and contributed in giving it a modern look. He also played an important role in organizing the Asian Games held in Delhi in 1982.
Honored with Padma Bhushan
The country recognized Anna’s work. In the year 1989, he was awarded Padma Bhushan. This honor became a recognition of his brilliant administrative life.
What was the salary at that time?
Today the salary of IAS officers is in lakhs, but the situation was different during Anna’s time. Around 1949-50, the starting salary of a new IAS officer was around Rs 350 per month. At that time it was considered a respectable salary.
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