PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
V. S. Ramadevi
Explanation
Smt. V. S. Ramadevi was the first and, to date, the only woman to serve as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. She served as the 9th CEC of India in 1990. Although her tenure was notably brief, lasting from November 26, 1990, to December 11, 1990, her appointment marked a significant milestone for women in Indian politics and administration. She later served as the Governor of Karnataka.
Key Points
- > V. S. Ramadevi also served as the first female Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha.
- > Sukumar Sen was the first-ever Chief Election Commissioner of independent India.
- > Meira Kumar holds the distinction of being the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- > Kiran Bedi was the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS).
- > Pratibha Patil served as the first woman President of India.
Additional Information
First Women in India: Key Positions
| Position / Achievement | Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| First Woman Prime Minister | Indira Gandhi | 1966 |
| First Woman President | Pratibha Patil | 2007 |
| First Woman Supreme Court Judge | M. Fathima Beevi | 1989 |
| First Woman Lok Sabha Speaker | Meira Kumar | 2009 |
| First Woman CEC | V. S. Ramadevi | 1990 |
Memory Tips
- V.S. Ramadevi: The only woman to head the Election Commission. Don't confuse her with Meira Kumar, who headed the Lok Sabha.