New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Indian Railways, Ms. Aruna Nayar, an esteemed officer of the Indian Railways Personnel Service (IRPS) from the 1987 batch, has taken charge as the Secretary of the Railway Board on January 6, 2024. This appointment marks a crucial milestone, as Ms. Nayar is not only a seasoned IRPS officer but also an empanelled IRMS (Indian Railway Management Service) officer at Level-16.
Ms. Nayar's journey to the position of Secretary, Railway Board, has been marked by a wealth of experience and notable achievements. Her recent roles include serving as the Additional Member, Staff in the Railway Board since May 2023 and as the Principal Executive Director/Staff, Railway Board from February 2022 to May 2023. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet officially appointed Ms. Aruna Nayar to the coveted position of Secretary, Railway Board in IRMS Level-16 on January 5, 2024.
Noteworthy is the fact that Ms. Nayar is the first IRPS officer to be empanelled in IRMS at Level-16, a testament to her exceptional credentials and significant contributions to the railway sector. Her diverse experience and expertise make her a key figure in the leadership landscape of Indian Railways.
Ms. Nayar's extensive career in the railways has seen her in various crucial roles. She served as the Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO) in Eastern Railway, Deputy Chief Personnel Officer (Dy. CPO) in Metro Railway/Kolkata, and PCPO in Southern Railway. Her contributions extend to roles in the Railway Recruitment Board (Chennai), Railway Divisions of Chennai & Palghat, and the Golden Rock Workshop & Division at Tiruchirapalli.
Beyond the realm of railways, Ms. Aruna Nayar worked as the Director (Pers) in the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications & IT under the Central Staffing Scheme from 2005 to 2009. This showcases her versatility and expertise in diverse domains, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic leadership profile.
Ms. Nayar holds academic laurels, having completed her Bachelor's degree from St. Stephens College, Delhi University, and a Master's degree from Delhi University. Her pursuit of knowledge continued with a Master's in Public Policy from the Australian National University in 2009 as part of in-service training.
As Ms. Aruna Nayar assumes the role of Secretary, Railway Board, her leadership is expected to make substantial contributions to the ongoing initiatives and modernization efforts within the Indian Railways. Her rich experience and diverse skill set position her as a key figure in steering the railways towards continued excellence.