Poonam Malakondaiah

Poonam Malakondaiah

Special Chief Secretary, Andhra Pradesh

It is rare to come across an IAS officer firmly rooted in spiritualism. Yes, it does raise many a brow to see a tough, committed, diligently-working-towards-goal kind of government officer. Poonam Malakondaiah is a remarkable officer who has carved a niche for herself through her outstanding work in women's empowerment. She headed a seven-member committee to advise on measures taken for the safety and security of women in the state, which also led to the formation of SHE Teams. She is an ardent advocate of women's literacy for empowerment. She covered more than 10 million farmers under YSR Rythu Bharosa in Phases 1 and 2 with a combined disbursal of over Rs 5,700 cr. Quality inputs were being supplied to farmers through the Rythu Bharosa Kendras and the entire crop insurance premium burden was borne by the government, ensuring hand-holding of farmers from the stage of providing seed to market interventions. She has also encouraged fish culture technologies in large water bodies in the state and set up a Fisheries University.