IAS Monika S. Garg is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1989 batch, hailing from Chandigarh. She has now become the President of UP IAS Association.
Over the years, she has carved a remarkable career path over three and a half decades of service leadership in various significant roles across Uttar Pradesh and at the central level.
With a strong academic foundation, holding an M.Sc. (Hons. School) and M.Phil in Physics, along with an MBA, twice gold medallist and university record holder, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in both her educational and professional pursuits.
Smt. Garg began her IAS career on August 21, 1989. Her initial training took place at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie. Following this, she was appointed as Joint Magistrate in Halwani and Ayodhya, where she gained valuable experience in district administration and left her mark.
Throughout her career, Smt. Garg has held several key positions, showcasing her versatility and capability in handling diverse administrative responsibilities. Notably, she served as the Chief Development Officer in Kanpur Nagar, where she played a crucial role in implementing developmental projects in the slums. Her performance as General Manager of the UP State Financial Corporation highlighted her proficiency in financial management.
Her tenure as District Magistrate and Collector in Rampur was marked by her efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots level. Smt. Garg’s strategic thinking and problem-solving skills were evident in her various roles as in different departments of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, including Tax and Registration, Finance, and Trade Tax. General public remembers her contribution and accessibility as Chief Executive Officer NOIDA.
Smt. Garg also made significant contributions at the central level, serving as Director General of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Development Commissioner Handloom and Handicrafts, along wtih as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. She was instrumental in formulating policies for silk, technical textiles, handloom and fashion sectors, which have impacted these sectors tremendously and yielded results.
Returning to Uttar Pradesh in 2015, she held several high-profile positions, including Principal Secretary in various departments such as Technical Education, Child and Women Welfare and Higher Education. Her leadership in these roles was pivotal in driving key initiatives and reforms in education sector. Notably, her tenure as Principal Secretary of the Children Development and Nutrition Department saw her oversee critical programs aimed at improving child welfare and nutrition across Uttar Pradesh and her tenures in Technical and Higher Education department are remembered for path breaking decisions and revolutionary changes in education sector, when Uttar Pradesh was ranked as the leader in implementation of National Education Policy 2020.
In 2020, Smt. Garg was elevated to the position of Additional Chief Secretary, a role in which she continues to contribute to the development and governance of the state. Her appointment as Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC) reflects the trust and confidence placed in her abilities by the state government.
Smt. Garg’s distinguished career is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to public service. Her journey from an aspiring student to one of the most respected IAS officers in the country serves as an inspiration to many. As she continues to serve as the Additional Chief Secretary and APC in Uttar Pradesh, her impact on the state’s development and governance remains profound.
